Modern soy-based infant formula use is not associated with significant abnormalities in human development, except for children with congenital hypothyroidism.

Soy-Based Infant Formula: Are Phyto-Oestrogens Still in Doubt?

Phyto-oestrogens found in soybeans, whole-grain cereals, seeds, and berries may play a role in preventing cancer development and atherosclerosis, but their exact dietary amounts for prevention remain unclear.

Phyto-oestrogens and Western diseases.

The average intake of lignans and isoflavones in Finland is low, with variations in intake across the population, mainly from processed meat products and legumes.

Phyto-oestrogen database of foods and average intake in Finland

European diets are more likely to include lignans, rather than soya isoflavones, as a significant source of phyto-oestrogens, potentially reducing the risk of breast cancer and osteoporosis.

Food sources of phyto-oestrogens and their precursors in Europe

Phyto-oestrogens in soy and whole grain products may have a protective effect against breast, prostate, and colon cancer, but their role in prevention remains unclear.

Phyto-oestrogens and cancer.

Phyto-oestrogens show potential in maintaining menopausal health, but optimal doses and sources remain unclear for specific health benefits.

Dietary phyto-oestrogens: molecular mechanisms, bioavailability and importance to menopausal health

Soy-based infant formulas are a safe option for most infants, with no observed adverse effects or reproductive differences compared to cow milk formulas.

Soy‐based formulas and phyto‐oestrogens: a safety profile

Phyto-oestrogens, found in plants, may reduce cholesterol and triglycerides, potentially improving vascular reactivity, but more research is needed.

Phyto-oestrogens and cardiovascular disease risk.

Phyto-oestrogens, found in plant foods and legumes, may offer protection against various human conditions, but their effectiveness remains inconclusive due to insufficient analytical standards and limited research.

Phyto-oestrogens: where are we now?

High plant lignan intake may slightly reduce post-menopausal breast cancer risk, but further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Lignans and breast cancer risk in pre- and post-menopausal women: meta-analyses of observational studies

Phyto-oestrogens show potential in breast cancer chemoprevention and therapy, but their effects on pre-existing breast tumors remain unclear.

Phyto-oestrogens and breast cancer chemoprevention

High intake of phyto-oestrogens, particularly equol and enterolactone, is associated with a substantial reduction in breast-cancer risk.

Case-control study of phyto-oestrogens and breast cancer

Increasing intake of phyto-oestrogens may decrease the risk of mucinous ovarian cancer, but is unrelated to the risk of endometrial cancer.

Dietary phyto-oestrogens and the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers: findings from two Australian case–control studies

Phyto-oestrogens in soyabeans may prevent atherosclerosis and reduce breast cancer risk, but long-term consumption remains uncertain.

Effects of phyto-oestrogens on tissues

Phyto-oestrogens, found in soya products and flaxseed, have potential health benefits, but their bioavailability and metabolism depend on factors such as diet and gut microflora.

Bioavailability of phyto-oestrogens

Red clover pastures have the highest concentration and best source of phyto-oestrogens in bovine milk, especially equol.

Phyto-oestrogens in herbage and milk from cows grazing white clover, red clover, lucerne or chicory-rich pastures.

High intake of phyto-oestrogens, particularly isoflavones, may reduce colorectal cancer risk, but further prospective studies are needed to confirm this relationship.

Phyto-oestrogens and colorectal cancer risk: a systematic review and dose–response meta-analysis of observational studies

Phyto-oestrogens, found in plants, may prevent bone loss associated with menopause, but more long-term studies are needed.

Phyto-oestrogens and bone health

Phyto-oestrogens, particularly genistein and daidzein, may play a role in breast and prostate cancer prevention, with their precise mechanism of action still unclear.

Phyto-oestrogens, their mechanism of action: current evidence for a role in breast and prostate cancer

8-prenylnaringenin, a novel phyto-oestrogen found in hops, has greater oestrogenic activity than established compounds like coumestrol, genistein, and daidzein, with concentrations 500-fold greater than found in beer.

Oestrogenic activity of the hop phyto-oestrogen, 8-prenylnaringenin.

These studies suggest that phyto-oestrogens in alimentation may offer protective effects against certain cancers, cardiovascular conditions, and menopausal symptoms, though their effectiveness and optimal intake levels remain unclear.