Soy health benefits put under microscope

Research funded by the Food Standards Agency will look at whether it can prevent or slow down the onset of osteoporosis in menopausal women, and whether it can increase the levels of testosterone in diabetic men.

It is not clear whether the consumption of isoflavones or phytoestrogens, commonly found in soy, could help to combat certain health problems associated with osteoporosis and type 2 diabetes.

Women in early menopause often suffer from thinning of the bones but some women can experience this earlier in life.

The project aims to determine whether soy isoflavones have an effect on bone density in menopausal women and whether it helps to eliminate side effects of the menopause.

Two hundred women within two years of the onset of the menopause will take part in the tests, with each consuming a snack bar containing soy protein powder containing isoflavones twice daily, or soy protein which is isoflavone-free.

Neither the researchers nor participants will know if they have been allocated the active or placebo bar until the study is completed.

The effects of soy on testosterone levels in diabetic men will also be assessed.

Forty per cent of diabetic men have low levels of testosterone and there is concern over falling sperm counts in these men.

A total of 250 patients with borderline or subclinical hypogonadism (reduced testosterone-making activity of the gonads) will take part in the study.

Steve Atkin, Professor of diabetes and endocrinology, said: "Osteoporosis and diabetes are difficult conditions to live with but both are unfortunately growing problems in the UK.