The Virtues of Whole Soy Supplements

In 1997, the Life Extension Foundation introduced the first high-concentration (40%) isoflavone soy extract. The theory back then was that isoflavones, such as genistein, were the component of soy most likely responsible for its multiple health benefits.1-2

In recent years, the beneficial effects of genistein and other soy isoflavones have been shown in numerous published studies. The most prestigious study was published in Journal of the National Cancer Institute and involved 21,852 Japanese women. The findings revealed that the women with the most isoflavones in their diet had the lower risk for developing undesirable breast cell colonies.3 This confirms a myriad of published studies that revealed those who consume the most soy have much lower rates of undesirable cell colonies.4-7

At the same time, other constituents of soy have also demonstrated effects that help explain the health and longevity of Asian populations who consume a great deal of soy in their diet. One of the most impressive recent studies showed that men who ate the highest quantities of soy products were 47% less likely to develop undesirable cell colonies compared to those who consumed the lowest amounts. In men who consumed the highest amount of natto (fermented soy), the incidence of undesirable prostate cell colony formation was reduced a remarkable 75%!8

In response to increasing evidence that other constituents of soy may provide significant cell protective affects, a new formulation has been developed that provides the same standardized isoflavone extract that members have been using for the past seven years, plus fermented soy natto that may provide additional benefits.

Soy natto enhances isoflavone absorption and provides other nutrients contributed by the fermentation process.9,10 The enhanced absorption of genistein, daidzein, etc. may be significant enough that only one capsule of the new Super Absorbable Soy Isoflavones is required each day.

The fermented soy natto used in this new formula incorporates a novel yeast (instead of bacteria) fermentation process. Japanese researchers have found that this type of cultured broth from yeast inhibits the development and propagation of undesirable mammary cell colonies.11

Based on studies of Japanese dietary isoflavone food consumption, just one capsule of the new Super Absorbable Soy Isoflavones provides more genistein and daidzein (50 mg) than the average Japanese person consumes in their diet.12-15 The typical American diet, on the other hand, often provides less than 1 mg of these cell-protecting isoflavones.16

Compared to the Mega Soy Extract product, the new Super Absorbable Soy Isoflavones provides a much more complete soy supplement, but does not cost any more than the Mega Soy Extract product.

Please note that Mega Soy Extract capsules (containing only isoflavones and no natto extract) are still available for those who prefer to use this particular formula.