Isoflavones (as in Soy) and Lignans Reduce Risk of Endometrial Cancer
Breaking News
By
VRP Staff
High consumption of isoflavones, which are found in soy, and lignans, found in foods such as flaxseeds, reduce the risk of developing endometrial cancer, according to a recent study.
The researchers undertook the study because the development of endometrial cancer is related to prolonged exposure to unopposed estrogens. Phytoestrogens, which are weak estrogens found in plant foods, may have antiestrogenic effects.
The study authors evaluated the link between dietary intake of phytoestrogens, including isoflavones and lignans, and the risk of endometrial cancer. The study, conducted in the San Francisco Bay Area, evaluated dietary information from 500 African American, Latina, and white women aged 35-79 years who were diagnosed with endometrial cancer between 1996 and 1999. The researchers compared these women to 470 age- and ethnicity-matched control women.
After comparing the two groups of women, the researchers discovered that the more isoflavones and lignans the women consumed, the less likely they were to develop endometrial cancer, particularly in postmenopausal women.
The researchers concluded, Some phytoestrogenic compounds, at the levels consumed in the typical American-style diet, are associated with reduced risk of endometrial cancer.
Reference:
Horn-Ross PL, John EM, Canchola AJ, Stewart SL, Lee MM. Phytoestrogen intake and endometrial cancer risk. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2003 Aug 6;95(15):1158-64.
VRPs Soy Extract contains 1.5 percent isoflavones. Anyone who wants to consume a rich source of lignans also can consume flaxseeds (available from VRP).
Newsletter Archive
Learn about the role of vitamins and nutritional supplements in your health by reading
past newsletter articles.