|
Last Updated: Apr 16, 2008 - 5:52:06 PM |
SUNDAY DEC 2, 2007 (Foodconsumer.org) -- The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment in Germany (BfR) concluded that isoflavone supplements as phytoestrogens could promote the development cancer among menopausal women.
Consumption of soybean which is rich in bioactive compound isoflavones has been linked to lower risk of cancer among Asian women. Because of this, isoflavones are believed to have a protective effect against cancer.
But the group BfR came to a different conclusion after they reviewed a number of scientific studies.
BfR also said that there is no sufficient evidence to show that eating foods containing soy and red clover isoflavones are safe.
A scientist affiliated with foodconsumer.org suggests that consumers avoid using highly purified isoflavone supplements. Instead, they should use foods that contain high levels of isoflavones such as organic soybean, which include other nutrients in addition to isoflavones.
To say the least, not all studies are equally trustworthy. A review of all the studies without checking the funding sources and potential biases can potential result in a conclusion that is fraudulent, biased and deliberately misleading.
Isoflavvones as phyto-estrogens should play a positive role in protecting against cancer in women. These types of compounds can interfere with the carcinogenicity of the natural estrogen in women’s bodies.
© 2004-2008 by foodconsumer.org unless otherwise specified
Top of Page
