Effects of soy on metabolic biomarkers of cardiovascular disease in elderly women with metabolic syndrome

ABSTRACT

This study ascertained the effects of soy, in the forms of textured soy protein [TSP] and soy nuts, on lipid profiles, apolipoproteins, inflammatory and prothrombotic markers, and blood pressure in elderly women diagnosed with metabolic syndrome [MetS]. This was a 12-week parallel, randomized, controlled trial conducted in rural health centers of Babol, Iran. Participants were 75 women, ages 60-70 years, who were diagnosed with MetS. Subjects were randomized to one of the following 3 groups i] soy nut [35g/d], ii] TSP [35g/d], and iii] control. Blood biochemical markers measured at baseline and at the end of the study included triglycerides [TG], cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C, VLDL-C, ApoB100, ApoAI, C-reactive protein [CRP], and fibrinogen. Soy nuts significantly improved LDL-C, VLDL-C, and ApoB100levels [P < 0.05], while fewer, significant improvements were observed in these variables in the TSP group compared to mean changes from baseline [P < 0.001]. Similar results were found for ApoAI in the treatment groups [P < 0.01]. Serum total cholesterol [TC] decreased significantly in the treatment groups compared with the control group [P < 0.005]. Differences from the control group in terms of TG, HDL-C, fibrinogen, CRP, and blood pressure were not significant. Both forms of soy improved lipid profiles. The group that consumed soy nuts had greater improvement than the TSP group. Therefore, moderate daily intake of soy may be a safe, inexpensive, and practical method to improve the risk of cardiovascular disease [CVD] and reduce the need for medical treatment