Isolated isoflavones are not without risk - Updated BfR Expert Opinion No. 039/2007,29 October 2007

Soy and red clover contain isoflavones. These bioactive plant substances are also called phyto-estrogens because their chemical structure is similar to that of the human hormone, estrogen. They can, therefore, also have a hormone-like effect. There are reports that Asian women who follow a traditional diet and regularly consume soy products scarcely suffer at all from menopausal complaints. However, opinions differ as to whether this can be attributed to a diet that is rich in soy. Furthermore, when looking at the assumed effects of isoflavones, a distinction must be made between whether they are ingested naturally from food or in isolated, fortified form via food supplements. In Germany for some time now food supplements with isolated isoflavones have been available on the market as an alternative to the prescribed hormone replacement therapy for menopausal complaints. The products are claimed to be efficacious natural products without any side effects. Against this backdrop, the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) has undertaken a health assessment of isoflavonecontaining food supplements.