Daidzein - General Nutrition & Herbal information

General Nutrition & Herbal information

BASICS

Daidzein is one of the primary isoflavones of soy, a staple food in many Asian countries. The term "soy" is used to refer to many products derived from the soybean. The isoflavones are dietary supplements derived from soybeans as isolated/concentrated soy proteins and soy extracts.

REMEDY FOR

Cancers of breast, prostate gland and colon.
Osteoporosis (bones loss and slows calcium loss).
Menopause symptoms.

USAGE DIRECTION

The ideal intake of soy is not known. Researchers suggest that the equivalent of one serving of soy foods per day supports good health, and the benefits increase as soy intake increases. Soy isoflavone supplements are now available. Societies that eat a high intake of soy products derive between 50 and 100 mg per day of soy isoflavones. High dose intake of concentrated isoflavone extracts are probably safe at levels up to at least 200 mg per day. The recommended dosage of soy intake for varying reasons is as follows:

As a protein supplement as needed. (Typical protein recommendations are 1-2 grams of protein per kg of body weight).
For heart health, 25-50 grams of soy protein isolate per day is effective in reducing cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
For menopausal symptoms, 25-50 mg of isoflavones per day is effective in alleviating some of the symptoms associated with menopause (e.g. hot flashes). Do not exceed more than 200 mg per day.

SOURCES

In addition to whole soybeans, foods derived from soy include tofu, tempeh, soymilk, textured and hydrolyzed vegetable protein, meat substitutes, soy flour, miso, and soy sauce. Soy is also available as a supplement, as soy protein or isoflavone in powder, capsule, or tablet form. High levels of soy-based isoflavones are in roasted soy nuts, tofu, tempeh, soymilk, and some soy protein isolates.

pOSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS

Some people have allergies to soybeans and thus should avoid soy products. Certain constituents in soy interfere with or alternatively might increase thyroid function; however, the clinical importance of this problem remains unclear. Soy contains a compound called phytic acid, which can interfere with mineral absorption. Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or which is especially bothersome.

OVERDOSE

Acute Overdose: High dose intake of concentrated isoflavone extracts are probably safe at levels up to at least 200 mg per day (the estimated amount contained in the average Japanese diet). Since the long term effects of isolated isoflavone supplements is unknown and the potential for pro-estrogenic effects may exist for mega-dose isoflavone consumption, it is prudent to keep total isoflavone intake close to those levels found in dietary amounts.
Chronic Overdose: None
What to do: For an acute overdose, call your doctor, emergency medical services (EMS), or the nearest poison control center immediately. For symptoms of chronic overdose, contact your doctor.

CAUTION

Certain medications have both positive and negative reaction to soy therefore extreme care should be taken in the soy intake.