Menopause
Menopause is a normal physiological process during which nutritional support is often desirable and can have the effect at this time of life of maintaining a feeling of well being..

1. History – Soya Isoflavones
Much of our knowledge and experience about Isoflavones comes from Asia where the diet is rich in Soya based foods. Japanese women experience significantly fewer symptoms during the menopause than Western women and death rates for breast and prostate cancer are four times higher in the UK than in Japan.

It is believed that these differences are linked with significantly lower intake of Isoflavones in the UK, USA & Canada. The daily consumption of Isoflavones in Asia is 25-200mg/day, which is required for a supportive effect, which could be provided by one or two portions of Soya products. However, a number of Soya Isoflavones supplements are now available from chemists that unlike Soya foods offer women a convenient and guaranteed daily intake of Isoflavones.

It is interesting to note that women in Asian countries very rarely suffer from hot flashes or other menopausal symptoms. In fact, while only 18 percent of Chinese women suffer any symptoms at all, a staggering 70 to 80 percent of women in Western countries will complain of adverse menopausal symptoms. These differences are thought to be due to the high Phytoestrogen intake in the East through soy products, which help to keep the blood levels of estrogen at a more normal level. Soya beans are one of the richest food sources of Phytoestrogen, hormone-like substances which are similar in biological structure to naturally produced human estrogen. Soya beans contain the estrogenically active compound, Isoflavonnes, which in turn provides the highly researched components Daidzein and Genistein.

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2. General Uses – Soya Isoflavones

Isoflavones are Phytoestrogen, compounds of plant origin that have effects similar to the female hormone estrogen, though 400 times less powerful.

If an Isoflavone or one of its metabolite attaches to an estrogen receptor, it can block the more powerful effect of an Isoflavones demonstrate antiangiogenic effects on tumors. Angiogenesis (new blood vessel growth) is required for tumors to grow, and genistein appears to block that process and thus helps maintain normal good health..

Isoflavones are one of a group of biologically active compounds termed flavonoids (like pycnogenol from pine bark & proanthocyanidins from grapes). Flavonoids are recognized as having anti-inflammatory, ant allergic, anti-viral, ant carcinogenic, anti neoplastic, anti-microbial, anti-helminthic, liver protective, kidney protective, anti-thrombotic and anti-hormonal effects. They are potent antioxidants, free radical scavengers and metal chelators. They facilitate vitamin C stabilization and enhance vitamin C absorption.

What nutritional secrets do ancient soybeans hold for women today?

Many researchers believe their most beneficial components are a group of nutrients called Isoflavones, related to the more common flavonoids found universally in plants. Flavonoids help regulate the growth of plants and protect them from stress and the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation.

Earlier this year, Catherine Rice-Evans, Ph.D., of the International Antioxidant Research Center at Guy's Hospital, London, reported that genistein, the most studied isoflavone, had the greatest antioxidant activity of these compounds. Daidzein was the second most powerful antioxidant Isoflavone. Antioxidants, of course, protect the body from cell-damaging molecules known as free radicals, which accelerate the aging process, initiate many cancers, and exacerbate diseases in general.

As an antioxidant, genistein plays multiple roles. It boosts the body's production of super oxide dismutase (SOD), another powerful antioxidant. Genistein also functions a in a similar way to SOD, preventing cancer-causing mutations to deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), according to research conducted at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York. But genistein and the other Isoflavones protect against breast cancer in other ways as well. "The Isoflavones contained within soy are among the most versatile biopharmaceuticals known to man," Stephen Holt, M.D., of Fairfield, N.J., told Let's Live. Holt, author of Soya for Health: The Definitive Medical Guide (Mary Ann Liebert Publishers, 1996), added, "These are safe foods that have been used for thousands of years in Asia. Isoflavones account, in part, for the major differences in disease between East and West."

3. Nutritional Research

In a presentation by, John A. Eden, M.D., of the Royal Hospital for Women, Paddington, Australia, reported the dramatic reduction in menopausal hot flashes among nine women given Isoflavones daily. When they began the study, the women had an average of 6.7 hot flashes daily. But the time the study ended, 12 weeks later, the average number of hot flashes had dropped by about half, to 3.4 daily. (See reference no 3)

In another study at La Sapienza University, Rome, Italy, physicians and researchers gave 40 post-menopausal women either calcium supplements or calcium supplements combined with ipriflavone (a synthetic Isoflavone). After 12 months, spine and forearm bone density decreased among the women taking only calcium. However, bone density increased among the women taking the calcium/ipriflavone combination, according to an article in the journal Calcified Tissue International. (See reference no 4)

"Soy Isoflavones act like weak estrogen's in respect to bone metabolism," explained Susan M. Potter, a nutrition professor at the University of Illinois, Urbana. "Maybe post-menopausal women can use soy products instead of estrogen replacement. Maybe women at risk for breast cancer can tolerate this better than estrogens."

In a more recent report, presented at the soy conference In Brussels, John W. Erdman, Ph.D., of the University of Illinois, Urbana, described another study on Isoflavones in the treatment of osteoporosis. Sixty post-menopausal women were given supplements containing either 55.6 to 90mg of Isoflavones-rich soy protein or a placebo daily for six months. Women consuming the higher amount of Isoflavones benefited from significant increases in bone mineral content and density in their lumber spines. (See reference no 5)

4. Typical intakes

Source: Knight DC, Eden JA. A review of the clinical effects of Phytoestrogen. Obstet Gynecolo. 1996;87:897-904.

Asian women typically ingest 40 to 80 mg of Isoflavones per day, whereas Americans average less than 3 mg/day. In trials, a high intake of Isoflavones depresses LH levels, thereby exerting some anti-estrogenic effect.

5. Side Effects & Contradictions
Isoflavones are not recommended for use during pregnancy or whilst breast feeding.

However there is no scientific evidence suggesting that there are any adverse effects in their consumption and the advice is precautionary. The regular intake of Isoflavones by men and women has not resulted in any adverse effects..
 

6. Acceptance of the Concept of Soya Isoflavonnes as safe substitute for HRT

Gregory L. Burke, M.D., of the Bowman Gray School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, N.C., described a study of menopausal women who were given soy supplements rich in Isoflavones for six weeks. While the women continued to have menopausal symptoms, the intensity of their hot flashes and night sweats decreased significantly.

In another presentation, John A. Eden, M.D., of the Royal Hospital for Women, Paddington, Australia, reported the dramatic reduction in menopausal hot flashes among nine women given 160 mg of Isoflavones daily. When they began the study, the women had an average of 6.7 hot flashes daily. But the time the study ended, 12 weeks later, the average number of hot flashes had dropped by about half, to 3.4 daily.

Soy Isoflavones act like weak estrogens in respect to bone metabolism," explained Susan M. Potter, a nutrition professor at the University of Illinois, Urbana. "Maybe post-menopausal women can use soy products instead of estrogen replacement. Maybe women at risk for breast cancer can tolerate this better than other estrogens."

In a more recent report, presented at the soy conference In Brussels, John W. Erdman, Ph.D., of the University of Illinois, Urbana, described another study on Isoflavones in the control of osteoporosis. Sixty post-menopausal women were given supplements containing either 55.6 or 90mg of Isoflavonnes-rich soy protein or a placebo daily for six months. Women consuming the higher amount of Isoflavones benefited from significant increases in bone mineral content and density in their lumber spines.  

7. Recommended Intakes & Salient Features

Soya Isoflavonnes 40 %, 60 MGS, packed in hard gelatin capsules and & such capsules are packed in protective blister packaging.

Dosage - 1 capsule every day with food. In exceptional cases may require two capsules.

Blister Packaging prevents:

Biodegradation of the plant originated Biological products as all the plant based materials are hygroscopic and moisture sensitive in nature.

The management & carrying of the Supplements for the consumers is made simple The shelf life is maximised.

Bacteriological contamination is avoided even if the product is opened and used over a period of time

Qualitative, consistent & effective management

Most women are able to achieve a trouble-free menopause.  

8. The advantages of stocking Isovon.
• A very high quality product that is GMO free.
• Effective supply chain system.
• Available in most good chemists and health food stores.
• Immediate delivery upon placing the order.
• Online orders for monthly requirements.
• Advice freely available.

Contact details:
Mr Subhash Patel. MRPharmSGB
Orchid Healthcare Limited

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