The effects of a soy rich diet on serum lipids: the Menfis randomized trial

To assess beneficial effects of a soy rich diet on the main biomarkers of cardiovascular health in menopause, compared with the effects of the hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

187 healthy asymptomatic postmenopausal women, aged 39-60, were recruited and randomized into three groups: a soy rich diet group, a HRT group, and a control group. Lipid profile, body mass index, blood pressure, endometrial thickness, uterine artery resistance index (RI), were evaluated in all the participants at the baseline, after 6 months, and at the end of the study.

After a 6-month intervention period, the lipid profile in the soy rich diet group showed a favourable outcome, similar to that observed in the HRT group, but compliance to the diet was low.

Soy products may be used in the prevention of cardiovascular risk in postmenopausal women because of their efficacy in contrasting the negative effects of menopause on the cardiovascular system, but our findings should be confirmed; moreover, suitable strategies to improve the compliance have to be considered.