Age-Related Male Osteoporosis, and Soy, Its Alternative Therapy - Review-

As the population of the elderly grows, the prevalence of osteoporosis and its related fractures will increase in both men and women. The etiology, preventive and curative strategies of male osteoporosis are relatively unknown and understudied in comparison with those of female osteoporosis. Even currently approved therapies, e.g. bisphophonates, parathyroid hormone, and testosterone for male osteoporosis are in need of further investigation to test their safety and efficacy. Isoflavones which are found in soy have been shown to positively affect bone by stimulating bone formation while concurrently slowing down bone resorption. These observations mainly come from studies that have employed women or female animal models of osteoporosis. Therefore, there is a need to explore the role of soy and its isoflavones in preventing bone loss or rebuilding bone utilizing men or animal models of .male osteoporosis. From the review of existing literature it is too early to state the extent to which men with osteoporosis can benefit from consumption of soy or its isoflavones. In this review, the efficacy of soy and its isoflavones as alternative and/or adjunctive treatment for male osteoporosis will be discussed.