Rapid Response

Isoflavones and Bone: More Questions Than Answers

Authors: Alan Malabanan, MD, FACE

Abstract

It is estimated that 1 of every 2 women age 50 and older will suffer an osteoporotic fracture in her remaining lifetime.1 Many FDA-approved medications for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis exist, including estrogen, calcitonin, raloxifene, bisphosphonates, and teriparatide. However, the adverse effects of these therapies range from increased breast cancer risk, to osteonecrosis of the jaw, to concerns of osteosarcoma. Many women have been looking for a natural therapy that would help prevent fractures and have an acceptable side effect profile. For these reasons, many women have turned to phytoestrogens, such as genistein, which have been shown over the past 10 years to suppress bone resorption and increase bone formation by interacting with the estrogen receptors ERβ.2

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