Phytoestrogens and women's health

Cassidy, Aedin

doi:10.1383/wohm.1.1.30.55406

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Volume 1, Issue 1 , Pages 30-33, November 2004

Phytoestrogens and women's health

Aedin Cassidy is Professor of Diet and Health at the School of Medicine, Health Policy and Practice at the University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK. She completed her PhD at Cambridge in 1991 and, following a period as reader in nutritional biochemistry at the University of Surrey, joined Unilever Research as head of women's health in 1999. Her research interests are women's health and nutrition, and phytochemicals.

Abstract

Although life expectancy for women has improved dramatically over the past few decades, this longevity is also associated with increased morbidity. Dietary modification can improve health and reduce the incidence of disease; therefore, advice on nutrition and diet is important in improving quality of life for women. However, since long-term hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can no longer be justified for disease prevention, women need alternative options to improve their quality of life and reduce their risk of heart disease, osteoporosis and breast cancer. Epidemiological and experimental evidence supports the importance of phytoestrogens in maintaining health and preventing disease as women age, but data on optimal source and dose are not available. Clinical data on phytoestrogens are critical to assure women that these products are effective and safe for long-term consumption and pose no greater risk than HRT.

Keywords: midlife and food , diet , food , menopause , nutrition , phytoestrogens , women