Phytoestrogens.Phytoestrogens Phytoestrogens Compounds found in plants that can mimic the effects of estrogen in the body. Mentioned in: Premenstrual Syndrome phytoestrogens, n.pl plant-derived estrogen analogs. have had a modest positive impact on bone tissue and on the development of osteoporosis in experimental animals. However, well-designed human studies are needed before making general recommendations. European researchers have established a database on phytoestrogens within European diets. The database includes almost 300 foods commonly consumed in Europe. Included are isoflavones isoflavones (īˑ·sō·flāˈ·vōnz), n.pl phytoestrogenic compounds found in various plants, including red clover and soy. (genistein and daidzein), coumestrol, formononetin, biochanin A and lignans. Based on this database and the dietary intake in several countries, phytoestrogen phytoestrogen /phy·to·es·tro·gen/ (-es´tro-jen) any of a group of weakly estrogenic, nonsteroidal compounds widely occurring in plants. phy·to·es·tro·gen n. intake in Europe is estimated to be less than 1 mg per day, compared to an intake of up to 100 mg per day in Asia. Bioavailability studies confirmed that most phytoestrogens are readily absorbed by humans, but this varies somewhat, possibly due to a variability in gut microflora microflora /mi·cro·flo·ra/ (-flor´ah) the microscopic vegetable organisms of a special region. Microflora The bacterial population in the intestine. , diet and metabolism. Contact: Francesco Branca, Instituto Nazionale di Ricerca per gli Alimenti e la Nutrizione (INRAN INRAN Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca per gli Alimenti e la Nutrizione (Italian: National Institute of Research on Foods and Nutrition) INRAN Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique du Niger ), Via Ardeatina, 546, 00178 Rome, Italy. Phone: +39(0)6 51494 517. Fax: +39(0)6 51494 550. Email: f.branca@agora.it. |
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