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Oral antibiotics decrease urinary isoflavonoid excretion in children after soy consumption

Brunhild M Halm1, Adrian A Franke, Leslie A Ashburn

  • 1Cancer Research Center of Hawai'i, Cancer Prevention & Control Program and Kapi'olani Medical Center for Women and Children, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA.

Nutrition and Cancer
|April 30, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Oral antibiotics (OABX) significantly reduce urinary isoflavone excretion rates (UIERs) in soy-consuming children. This suggests OABX alter gut bacteria, impacting how the body processes beneficial soy compounds.

Area of Science:

  • Human Nutrition and Metabolism
  • Microbiology and Gut Health
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Isoflavones (IFLs) are plant compounds found in soy with potential health benefits.
  • The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in metabolizing IFLs.
  • The impact of oral antibiotics (OABX) on IFL metabolism in children is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate how OABX affect urinary isoflavone excretion rates (UIERs) in children who consume soy.
  • To explore the potential role of gut microflora alterations in mediating these effects.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 11 children (ages 4-17) provided paired urine samples: one during OABX treatment and one when healthy.
  • Participants consumed a standardized dose of soy nuts.
  • Urinary IFLs (nonmetabolites and metabolites) were quantified using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Main Results:

  • Urinary excretion rates for genistein (GE), other nonmetabolite IFLs, and total IFLs were significantly lower during OABX treatment compared to when healthy (P < 0.05).
  • A trend towards increased O-desmethylangolensin (DMA) production was observed during OABX use (P = 0.13).
  • Reduced IFLs in urine may be linked to OABX-induced changes in gut bacteria or infection-related processes.

Conclusions:

  • Oral antibiotic use significantly decreases the urinary excretion of isoflavones in soy-consuming children.
  • This reduction highlights the influence of the gut microbiome on IFL bioavailability and metabolism.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms behind OABX-mediated changes in IFL processing.

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