Soy and red clover contain isoflavones. These bioactive plant substances are also called phyto-estrogens because their chemical structure is similar to that of the human hormone, estrogen. They can, therefore, also have a hormone-like effect. In Germany for some time now food supplements with isolated isoflavones have been available on the market as an alternative to the pre-scribed hormone replacement therapy for menopausal complaints. The products are claimed to be efficacious natural

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... without any side effects. Against this backdrop, the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) has undertaken a health assessment of isoflavone-containing food supplements. To this end BfR evaluated a number of scientific studies. It revealed that, according to the latest scientific knowledge available, the assumed positive effects of isolated isoflavones on menopausal complaints have not been sufficiently substantiated. The adverse effects reported to BfR like nausea, constipation, swelling or reddening are possibly caused by allergic reactions to the soy protein contained in these products or to other factors. BfR is of the opinion that the toxicological risks regarding the hormonal situation of female users are to be viewed more critically than these short-term, acute adverse effects.