While both men and women are likely to develop weaker bones and joints as they age, it's the loss of estrogen during menopause that puts women at greater risk during postmenopausal years.
What Causes Poor Bone Health?
Bones are continuously rebuilding themselves through an ongoing cycle in which old bone is broken down and new bone is formed. The loss of estrogen during menopause causes this "remodeling" cycle to slow down with bone breaking down faster than it reforms. Some of the calcium temporarily released from bones during this process is lost in the urine, causing bones to gradually become more porous, weak and brittle. Poor calcium intake and lack of weight-bearing exercise also contribute to bone loss.
Soy may support stronger bones by decreasing the amount of calcium lost in your urine.(1) Numerous human studies in Japan, China and America suggest soy's ability to maintain bone health, and possibly even improve bone health.(1-7) A recent study of almost 500 postmenopausal Japanese women found that women consuming high amounts of soy had significantly stronger and thicker bones than women consuming a low amount of soy. The researchers concluded, "High consumption of soy products is associated with increased bone mass in postmenopausal women.".(6) Combined with calcium, regular soy intake makes a great nutritional duo to support a healthy skeletal system. Long-term daily use is important to achieve this possible benefit.
