Foods rich in isoflavones possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help prevent cell damage.
Some studies suggest that isoflavone supplements may alleviate menopause symptoms and prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal people.
Additionally, there is some evidence that isoflavone supplements could aid in preventing heart disease and certain cancers.
Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak
However, more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness.
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
Hormone Effects of Isoflavones
Isoflavones are also known as phytoestrogens.
Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak
This allows isoflavones to bind with estrogen receptors.
They concluded consuming isoflavones reduces hot flashes even accounting for the placebo effect.
Some case reports indicate that isoflavones in red clover help reduce hot flashes and anxiety during menopause.
What is still uncertain is whether soy isoflavone supplements are safe for these women.
Common side effects may include:
Do Isoflavones Cause Weight Gain?
Research suggests that, in general, isoflavones from soy do not cause weight gain.
However, it may cause slight weight gain in young individuals, as well as people living with obesity.
Like soy, red clover is considered a legume that contains phytoestrogens.
However, because there are so few studies and the sample sizes were small, more research is needed.
There have been more studies on soy isoflavones that support their use for menopausal symptoms.
Chen LR, Ko NY, Chen KH.Isoflavone supplements for menopausal women: a systematic review.Nutrients.
doi:10.7860/JCDR/2017/26034.10654
Chen LR, Ko NY, Chen KH.Isoflavone Supplements for Menopausal Women: A Systematic Review.Nutrients.
2019;11(11):2649.
2016;23(2):75-80. doi:10.1159/000444735
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Soy.
2019;34:50-54. doi:10.1016/j.clnesp.2019.09.003
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Osteoporosis.
Am J Clin Nutr.
U.S. Department of Agriculture.USDA database for the isoflavone content of selected foods.
Rietjens IMCM, Louisse J, Beekmann K.The potential health effects of dietary phytoestrogens.
2022 Mar 7;11:e17.
