Endocrine Abstracts

Aim of the study: Our study was designed to determine the possible role of phytoestrogens with minerals Ca, Mg, Zn and vitamins D, C, K in the reduction of bone mass lost in postmenopausal women.

Subjects and methods: The study population consisted of 86 nonsmoking 60…80 years old women. Their bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) region L2-L4. The osteoporosis had been diagnosed (T-score by DXA was −2.5…−3.2) in all patients. Their diet history, especially daily intake of milk and dairy products was ascertained by questionnaire and analyzed the average daily intake of Ca and Mg. Minerals and isoflavones in 1 tabl. Bonette Comp: soya isoflavones (20 mg), Ca (100 mg), Mg (50 mg), Zn (3 mg), C (12 mg), D (1 mcg), K (14 mcg). VDR gene polymorphism was tested for Ff, ff and FF genotype.

Results: After 24 months of treatment we observed the positive changes in BMD from +3.2 to +11.8%. The average improvement was +8.2%. Before starting the supplementation, an individual variations in the change of BMD were marked, depending on:

- the initial BMD data

- the doses of phytoestrogens

- minerals on supplementation

_ VDR-genotype

The best results we observed by 36% of patients (positive changes from +7%…11.8%). This group of patients had a good nutritional status and their gastrointestinal tract functioned normally. Appearing of good results in this group can be related with findings that gastrointestinal tract plays a crucial role in the bioavailability and therefore clinical effectiveness of soya isoflavones (K. D. Setchell, 2003). Better benefits effects we tested in patients with VDR-genotype FF.

Conclusion: Complex of phytoestrogens and minerals (Bonette comp) have been proven effective in the reduction of postmenopausal osteoporosis. An individual variability was found in positive changes of the BMD. These data support the observation that there is substantial individual variability in isoflavone metabolism and in VDR genotype. In the future studies, a VDR genotype could be tested as potential genetic marker for increased risk of postmenopausal osteoporosis.