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Does equol production determine soy endocrine effects?

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Abstract

Isoflavones, a group of phytoestrogens, are selective oestrogen receptor (ER) modulators. They may positively impact endocrine-related conditions but the current evidence is sparse. Equol, a non-steroidal oestrogen, is produced by the metabolism of the isoflavone daidzein by intestinal bacteria. In Western countries, 30–50% of individuals metabolize daidzein into equol and are known as equol producers. Equol production may be the source of benefit from isoflavones in endocrine disease.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Hull York Medical School, Hull, UK

    Dana Shor

  2. Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Hull York Medical School, Hull, UK

    Thozhukat Sathyapalan & Stephen L. Atkin

  3. Food Standards Agency, London, UK

    Natalie J. Thatcher

  4. Michael White Diabetes Centre, 220-236 Analby Road, Hull, HU3 2JZ, UK

    Thozhukat Sathyapalan

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  1. Dana Shor
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Correspondence to Thozhukat Sathyapalan.

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Shor, D., Sathyapalan, T., Atkin, S.L. et al. Does equol production determine soy endocrine effects?. Eur J Nutr 51, 389–398 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-012-0331-7

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