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Phytoestrogen Fraud

They target women with false promotions and the vulnerable have been defrauded; not only do isoflavone extracts not work, they pose a significant health risk. Companies, such as Novogen, that market the isoflavone supplements have amassed millions, but the case against them is mounting. Monash University scientists have called Novogen's statements scientifically dishonest and misleading (Novogen is part of Protein Technologies International, a wholly owned subsidiary of DuPont Corp). And the Monash experts are not alone:

MAYO Clinic scientist were unable to demonstrate any suggestion of benefit of isoflavone supplements which do not substantially reduce hot flashes (Journal of Clinical Oncology, March 1, 2000).

Sydney University scientists found that data from isoflavone trials do not indicate a therapeutic benefit (Climacteric, 1999: 285-292).

British scientists are also dubious about the benefits of phytoestrogen extracts and say they should not be marketed as food supplements (Lancet, 2000:163-165).

An Italian soy expert notes soy isoflavone supplements' dubious benefits and potential risks due to potential carcinogenic, mutagenic and teratogenic properties (Lancet, 2000: 8193).

A New Zealand isoflavone researcher has warned of the potential of isoflavone supplements to cause hypothyroidism and thyroid cancer (NZMJ, Feb 11, 2000 pp 24-27).

ANZFA note that it is clear that isoflavones present a potential hazard to the consumer of soy foods.

Promoters of isoflavone supplements make these claims in many legal jurisdictions and on the Internet. The FDA has made no effort to control these claims, and has even endorsed health-claims for soy products over the objections of its own experts. Other enforcement regimes are also responsible to their citizens. Soy Information Service has urged legislators to draw the law-breaking to the attention of their law enforcement authorities, and to protest to the United States Secretary for Health Education and Welfare, Hon Donna Shalala, about the regulatory failure of her Agency.