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Isoflavones for hypercholesterolaemia in adults
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|June 8, 2013
Summary
Isoflavones show no significant effect on cholesterol levels in hypercholesterolaemia. Limited evidence suggests a slight impact on triglycerides, but caution is advised due to study limitations.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Cardiovascular Health
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Hypercholesterolaemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.
- Isoflavones are compounds that may potentially improve hypercholesterolaemia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of isoflavones in managing hypercholesterolaemia.
- To assess the impact of isoflavones on lipid profiles and cardiovascular risk factors.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
- Searched multiple databases including Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CBMD, and CNKI up to September 2012.
- Included trials compared isoflavones versus placebo or soy protein with isoflavones versus soy protein alone in hypercholesterolaemic participants.
Main Results:
- Five randomized trials with 208 participants were included; risk of bias was generally high or unclear.
- Isoflavones showed a statistically significant, but slight, reduction in triglycerides (MD -0.46 mmol/L).
- No significant effects were observed on total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, or HDL cholesterol. Adverse effects included gastrointestinal discomfort and increased hot flushes.
Conclusions:
- Current evidence does not support the use of isoflavones for lowering cholesterol levels in hypercholesterolaemia.
- Findings should be interpreted with caution due to high risk of bias and small sample sizes in the included trials.
- Further high-quality research is needed to confirm any potential benefits and safety of isoflavones.
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