Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 18, 2026

Studies on the Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Xiaoyao Pills in The Treatment of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis in Mice
Published on: August 23, 2024
Soy isoflavones and bone health: the relationship is still unclear
Connie M Weaver1, Jennifer M K Cheong
1Department of Foods and Nutrition, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA. weavercm@purdue.edu
Abstract:
Evidence of the effect of purified soy isoflavones and soy protein isolates containing isoflavones on bone health in rats and in humans is inconsistent. Differences may be because of synergies or antagonisms among the isoflavones, threshold or biphasic dose effects, life stage of animals or human subjects, estrogen status, and environment-genetic interactions, including the ability to produce metabolites upon ingestion of isoflavones. At this time, the benefits of soy protein and isoflavones on bone health are inconclusive. This overview will summarize these discrepancies and will suggest future studies to clarify the conditions under which these dietary substances can be helpful for bones.
Related Concept Videos
Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...
Hormones and Bone Tissue
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
Essential Minerals for Bone Health
Calcium and Phosphorus
Calcium is a critical component of bones, especially in the form of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Since the body cannot make calcium, it must be obtained from the diet. However, calcium cannot be absorbed from the small intestine without...
Bone Disorders
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
Bone Remodeling
Cancer Prevention
Some...