Research has shown that isoflavones, estrogenic compounds found primarily in soybeans, are biologically active in humans. Bacteria that live in our large intestines are involved in the digestion of soybeans. Research has shown that only about one-third of the population have the bacteria that can convert daidzein, one of the isoflavones found naturally in soybeans, to equol. It is not known why some people have these bacteria while others do not. The Family Study, funded by the National Cancer Institute, is looking at whether the ability to produce equol runs in families.
About 600 people from multi-generational families are participating in this study. Families with a least three members from two or more generations are taking part. They are asked to eat one soy protein bar (in addition to their usual diet) for three days in a row, and to collect a urine sample on the morning of the fourth day. The urine sample is analyzed for daidzein and equol, and we are comparing who is and who isn’t able to produce equol among family members. From this, we are attempting to determine if it is an inherited trait, in other words, if it is genetically determined. Recruitment has been completed for this study.
For more information contact Charlotte Atkinson
