Does phytoestrogen supplementation affect cognition differentially in males and females?

Nathalie Sumien, Kiran Chaudhari, Akram Sidhu, Michael J. Forster

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

27 Scopus citations

Abstract

Phytoestrogens are plant-derived compounds found mainly in soy with known estrogenic properties and a potential for benefits to human health. Increased intake in phytoestrogens stemmed from the search for safe alternatives to hormone replacement therapies. Based on epidemiologic evidence comparing Western and Asian populations and clinical studies, phytoestrogens show promise to improve health and brain function. This review is focused on the effects of phytoestrogens on cognition by examining clinical and animal studies, with special attention placed on (1) a window of therapeutic opportunity which may explain the discrepancy among studies, and (2) whether a sex/gender difference exists in response to phytoestrogen intake and what the possible underlying mechanisms may be.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)123-127
Number of pages5
JournalBrain Research
Volume1514
DOIs
StatePublished - 13 Jun 2013

Keywords

  • Cognition
  • Daidzein
  • Gender
  • Genistein
  • Phytoestrogens

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