Taking supplements of soy isoflavones may not help shield postmenopausal women from bone loss, according to a recent study. Soy isoflavones are estrogen-like compounds thought to offer a number of health benefits, such as the treatment of hot flashes.

For the study, researchers had 224 postmenopausal women take either soy isoflavone supplements (at a dose of 80 mg or 120 mg) or a placebo capsule each day for three years. Results showed that the supplements had no significant effect on lumbar spine, total hip, or whole-body bone mineral density. Participants taking the higher dose of soy isoflavones, however, did experience a small protective effect on their femoral neck bone mineral density.

Decreased bone mineral density is the hallmark of osteoporosis, a condition most common among postmenopausal women. Known to progress slowly and silently, osteoporosis can lead to serious complications like spine and hip fractures. Past studies show that exercising regularly and boosting your levels of calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin K may help prevent osteoporosis.

Soy May Not Stop Bone Loss originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Thursday, February 25th, 2010 at 06:00:28.

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