Women's Health - Phytoestrogens Flashcards
Q: What are phytoestrogens?
A: Naturally-occurring plant compounds structurally similar to 17β-oestradiol (E2).
Q: How do phytoestrogens act in the presence of high and low endogenous oestrogen?
High endogenous oestrogen: Produce a weak anti-oestrogenic effect, reducing circulating bioavailable E2.
Low endogenous oestrogen: Produce a weakly oestrogenic effect.
Q: What pathway do phytoestrogens disrupt, and how does it affect oestrogen metabolism?
A: Phytoestrogens disrupt aromatase, favouring the 2-OH pathway.
Q: Why are phytoestrogens considered ‘oestrogen-modulators’?
A: They have the ability to exert either weak oestrogenic or anti-oestrogenic effects depending on endogenous oestrogen levels.
Q: What health benefits are associated with phytoestrogens?
A: Lowered risk of menopausal symptoms, CVD, obesity, metabolic syndrome, T2DM, and breast cancer.
Q: Name some plant foods rich in phytoestrogens.
A:
Flavonoids (isoflavones, genistein, daidzein): Found in soybeans, legumes, lentils, chickpeas.
Lignans (enterodiol, enterolactone): Found in cereals, linseed, fruit, and vegetables.
Flavones (apigenin): Found in parsley, thyme, celery, and chamomile tea.
Q: What is apigenin, and what are its benefits?
A: Apigenin is a flavone that inhibits breast cancer cell growth and is neuroprotective.
Q: Are phytoestrogens contraindicated in oestrogen-sensitive conditions like breast cancer?
A: There is concern, but their weak oestrogenic effect and selectivity make them oestrogen antagonists in the presence of oestrogen.
Q: How is soy traditionally consumed in Asian cultures?
A: As miso, natto, soy paste, and tempeh, which are fermented using microorganisms.
Q: How is soy typically consumed in Western diets?
A: As soya oil, flour, protein isolates (e.g., textured vegetable protein), low-fat milk, yogurts, and soya-based infant formulas.
Q: Why is a healthy microbiome important for phytoestrogens?
A: It is necessary for the fermentation of phytoestrogens by intestinal bacteria, influencing their effects on the body.
Q: What happens if an individual has an unhealthy gut microbiome?
A: It reduces the potential benefits of phytoestrogens, making non-food forms such as tinctures or teas more appropriate.
Q: Name some herbs that may enhance the effects of phytoestrogens.
A: Black cohosh, Agnus castus, red clover, and Dong quai.
