Effect of isoflavone on plasma nitrite/nitrate, homocysteine, and lipid levels in Turkish women in the early postmenopausal period: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of isoflavones on cardiovascular risk markers including plasma nitrite/nitrate, homocysteine, and lipid levels in Turkish women in the early postmenopausal period. Materials and Methods: Ninety participants between 42 and 59 years of age were randomly assigned to receive twice a day either isoflavone tablet (n:45) or placebo tablets (n = 45). Plasma nitrite/nitrate, homocysteine, and lipid levels were measured at baseline and after the 6 months of treatment. Results: After 6 months, isoflavone resulted in a statistically significant decrease in total cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins, triglyceride levels, serum homocysteine and an increase in high-density lipoproteins and serum nitrites/nitrates. Lipoprotein-a level did not change in both groups. Conclusions: Six months of treatment with isoflavones had a favorable effect on serum nitrites/nitrates, homocysteine and lipid levels in Turkish women in the early postmenopausal period. Although there is not enough evidence yet from large randomized clinical trials to make a recommendation about the use of phytoestrogens for prevention of cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal years, our results show that phytoestrogens improve the biomarkers of some cardiovascular risk markers in Turkish women in the early postmenopausal period. © TÜBİTAK.