Phytoestrogens in Dutch Middle-Aged and Elderly Women

The aim of this study was to estimate dietary intake of phytoestrogens in Dutch middle-aged and elderly women and to describe their main sources. Experts in the field of phytoestrogens and several Dutch food manufacturers were contacted for more information.

Most of the women who took part in the study were born in The Netherlands. Mean age at the start of the study was 57 years and most were postmenopausal.

The main sources for coumestans were peas, beans and other vegetables. Over 80% of the daily intake of all isoflavones was derived from vegetables, breakfast cereals, grain products, coffee and tea, traditional soy foods and nuts. Peas and beans served as the main source of almost all isoflavones. Use of traditional soy foods was not common in this population. Soy foods were responsible for only 6.5% of the total daily intake of daidzein and genistein. Nuts were an important source of the phytoestrogen biochanin A.

We conclude that intake levels of phytoestrogen in our study population are low; however, they are comparable with intake levels previously reported for other Western cohorts.
___________________

Lital Keinan Boker et al, Am. J. Nutr., 20002, 132, 1319-1328.