To test the theory, Smith’s team studied the effects of soy in 386 people age 12 and older with poorly controlled asthma. All of them were taking medications to treat their asthma, but none were consuming soy regularly before enrolling in the study.
Half of the participants took a soy isoflavone supplement twice daily for six months, while the other half took a placebo. Soy isoflavones plant-based compounds found in foods such as tofu have been previously found to help ease hot flashes in menopause, the authors noted.
However, “we found that the supplement, though able to increase blood levels of the key soy isoflavone genistein, did not improve lung function, symptoms or measures of inflammation in these individuals,” Smith said.
Two experts in asthma care said the study gives patients valuable new information.
“I think studies like this are important,” said Dr. Beth Corn, director of the Allergy and Asthma Clinic at The Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. “Many patients want a natural (alternative) solution for their conditions, rather than having to take a medication, because medications come with potential side effects, both short term and long term.”
However, “the public needs to be educated that disease is a multifaceted process and that there are many components that work in tandem in the healing process,” Corn added. “It is rare that a supplement, on its own, is the answer.”
Another expert agreed.
“Not only does soy not improve asthma symptoms, this article points out the nature of how many factors in a [preliminary] study can lead to fallacious conclusions,” said Dr. Len Horovitz, a pulmonary specialist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.
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Copyright HealthDay News May 2015