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Listen to this siteWednesday 22 October 2003
This research project aims to determine the concentration of phytoestrogens in a range of dietary supplements to allow the possible health effects of their consumption to be assessed.
Study Duration : April 1999 to March 2001
Contractor : Veterinary Laboratories Agency
Phytoestrogens have been associated with a number of beneficial health effects, including a reduced incidence of certain cancers and alleviation of symptoms of the menopause. This has led to the commercial production of dietary supplements containing phytoestrogens from sources such as soya and hops. The objective of this project is to determine the concentration of phytoestrogens in a range of these dietary supplements to allow the possible health effects of their consumption to be assessed.
A range of phytoestrogens will be quantified in 50 soya-based dietary supplements. 15 of these products will also be tested for oestrogenic activity. The relative risk associated with the recommended intake of the supplements will be evaluated by comparing their phytoestrogen content and oestrogenic activity with that of commonly available foods including soya flour and soya-based infant formulas.
Key Results
Project completed - Final report is currently being evaluated by the Agency.
Final report is available from the FSA Library and Information centre. To obtain a copy, please contact the Enquiry Desk, Dr Elsie Widdowson Library and Information Services, Food Standards Agency, tel: 020 7276 8181/8182 or email: library&info@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk
a) Coldham, N.G. and Sauer, M.J. (2001). Identification, quantitation and biological activity of phytoestrogens in a dietary supplement for breast enhancement. Food and Chemical Toxicology. 39 , 1211-1224.
b) Sauer M. J., Hows, M and Coldham, N. G. Phytoestrogen content of dietary supplements. (in preparation).
Contact
:
Email
: science@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk
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