Soy isoflavones 大豆イソフラボン
Compounds found in soybeans whose structure resembles the female hormone estrogen.
In Japan: Foods with Function Claims notifications
Functions claimed (counted from notifications with this ingredient alone)
| Function | Notifications |
|---|---|
| Bones | |
| Skin elasticity and wrinkles | |
| Skin moisture |
Examples of notified claims (our translation)
This product contains soy isoflavones. Soy isoflavones have been reported to have a function that helps maintain bone components. This product contains lycoperoside H. Lycoperoside H has been reported to have a function that helps maintain skin elasticity and helps keep the skin healthy.
This product contains soy isoflavones and lactobionic acid. Soy isoflavones and lactobionic acid, when taken together, have been reported to have the function of helping maintain skin elasticity and helping protect skin health in women concerned about dry skin. Soy isoflavones have been reported to have a function that helps maintain bone components in middle-aged people.
This product contains soy isoflavones. Soy isoflavones have been reported to have a function that helps maintain bone components in middle-aged and older women, and a function that helps keep the skin moist in middle-aged and older women whose skin tends to be dry.
Under Foods with Function Claims, the company notifies the Consumer Affairs Agency of the scientific evidence on its own responsibility; the government does not review or approve it. You can look up each product's notification by the number on the package in the Consumer Affairs Agency's database (Japanese).
In Japan: Foods for Specified Health Uses (FOSHU)
Approved claims by category: Bones 8, Menstruation and menopause 1, Teeth and mouth 1
This product contains calcium and soy isoflavone aglycones, and is a food that helps keep the gums, which support the teeth, healthy. It is suitable for women in and after menopause.
FOSHU products are reviewed and approved one by one by the government (Consumer Affairs Agency) for effectiveness and safety. The counts are of products whose functional ingredient matches this ingredient. Source: Consumer Affairs Agency, list of approved FOSHU products (Japanese). Claims are our translation.
In the EU: the register of health claims
Claim not authorised in the EU
- The soy isoflavone claims for "hair," "LDL cholesterol," and "heart and blood vessels," among others, were not authorised (2011 opinion).
In the EU, only health claims whose evidence has been assessed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and authorised by the European Commission may be used on food. “Not authorised” means the evidence for that claim was not established under EU standards — not that the ingredient is dangerous.
What the US NIH says
- Soy isoflavones probably have a positive effect on bone density in postmenopausal women. The effect on menopausal hot flashes is small, and results are not consistent. Supplements have not been shown to lower the risk of breast cancer.
- Concentrated isoflavone extracts have been used safely for up to 6 months in studies. Taking more than the amount found in food during pregnancy may not be safe.
Sources: NCCIH "Soy"
Find products PR
These are Japanese online shops (affiliate links).
Example of a product notified with this ingredient
健骨サポート （株式会社ファンケル）
Food with Function Claims, notification No. C307. Chosen from products sold on Rakuten whose names match a current notification to the Consumer Affairs Agency, picking one with many reviews.
See on Rakuten (fancl-shop)See on Amazon.co.jpThis database does not guarantee any product's effect. For Foods with Function Claims, check the notification number on the package; for Foods with Nutrient Function Claims, check the amount per daily serving.
Compare “大豆イソフラボン サプリ” products on RakutenCompare “大豆イソフラボン サプリ” products on Amazon.co.jpOther ingredients in the same categories
This page is a translation of our Japanese page; if they differ, the Japanese page is the reference.