Equol Decreases Hot Flashes in Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials
Daily JW, Ko BS, Ryuk J, Liu M, Zhang W, Park S
Published in Journal of Medicinal Food
Methodology
Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials of equol or soy isoflavones in equol producers, searching 12 English, Korean and Chinese databases; 6 studies in review, 5 in meta-analysis
Key Findings
Meta-analysis revealed a significant benefit of equol for lowering hot flash scores with generally low risk of bias; two of five pooled trials reported no statistically significant benefit.
Conclusions
Supplementing equol to equol nonproducers significantly lowered the incidence and/or severity of hot flashes in menopausal women.
Limitations
Small number of trials, heterogeneous isoflavone preparations, inconsistent individual trial results, lead author affiliated with a supplement manufacturer.
Outcomes Measured
Meta-analysis revealed a significant benefit of equol for lowering hot flash scores and revealed a generally low risk of bias.
Study Details
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Disclosures
Funding
Author affiliation with Daily Manufacturing, Inc. (supplement manufacturer); Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine
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