The effect of isoflavone extract ingestion, as Trinovin, on plasma steroids in normal men

Plasma testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, androsterone and epiandrosterone sulfates, cortisol and sex hormone binding globulin were measured in six adult men before and during daily isoflavone extract ingestion (40 mg) in the form of Trinovin tablets. Although modest plasma genistein levels were achieved following three weeks of Trinovin ingestion (106-356 nmol/l) there were no significant changes in most of the analytes tested. However plasma levels of dihydrotestosterone showed an increase that reached significance when combined basal levels were compared to levels following Trinovin treatment. The results suggest that the daily ingestion of isoflavones in the form of Trinovin (1 tablet/day), over a short term, does not alter most plasma steroid levels. We therefore question the value of Trinovin, at the recommended dosage, as offering protective effects against prostate disease by mechanisms involving either significant modulation of plasma steroid or SHBG levels. In contrast the increase in dihydrotestosterone plasma levels could be seen as possibly detrimental.