Beneficial Effects of a Soy-Based Dietary Supplement on Lipid Levels and Cardiovascular Risk Markers in Type 2 Diabetic Subjects
- Kjeld Hermansen, MD, DMSC,
- Mette Søndergaard, MD,
- Lars Høie, MD,
- Marius Carstensen, MD and
- Birgitte Brock, MD, PHD
- From the Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism (K.H., M.S., M.C., B.B.), Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; and Nutri Pharma ASA (L.H.), Oslo, Norway.
- Address correspondence and reprint requests to Kjeld Hermansen, MD, DMSc, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Aarhus Amtssygehus, Aarhus University Hospital, Tage-Hansens Gade 2, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark. E-mail: kjeld.hermansen{at}dadlnet.dk .
Abstract
OBJECTIVE— Consumption of soy protein has recently been shown to improve the blood lipid levels in nondiabetic subjects. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if a dietary supplement of soy protein, isoflavones, and cotyledon fiber (Abalon) affects cardiovascular risk markers, blood glucose, and insulin levels in type 2 diabetic subjects.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— Twenty type 2 diabetic subjects participated in a crossover trial. They were randomized to double-blind supplementation for 6 weeks with Abalon (soy protein [50 g/day] with high levels of isoflavones [minimum 165 mg/day] and cotyledon fiber [20 g/day]) or placebo (casein [50 g/day] and cellulose [20 g/day]), separated by a 3-week wash-out period.
RESULTS— The results are expressed as means ± SD. The percentage mean treatment difference between Abalon and placebo demonstrated significantly lower mean values after Abalon for LDL cholesterol (10 ± 15%, P < 0.05), LDL/HDL ratio (12 ± 18%, P < 0.05), apolipoprotein (apo) B100 (30 ± 38%, P < 0.01), triglycerides (22 ± 10%, P < 0.05), and homocysteine (14 ± 21%, P < 0.01), whereas the total cholesterol value tended to be less significant but still lower (8 ± 15%, P < 0.08). No change occurred in HDL cholesterol, apo B100/apo A1 ratio, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1, factor VIIc, von Willebrand factor, fibrinogen, lipoprotein(a), glucose, HbAlc, or 24-h blood pressure.
CONCLUSIONS— These results indicate beneficial effects of dietary supplementation with Abalon on cardiovascular risk markers in type 2 diabetic subjects. This improvement is seen even in individuals with near-normal lipid values.
Footnotes
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L.H. is on the Board of Directors of, is paid consulting fees by, and holds stock in Nutri Pharma ASA.
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Abbreviations: apo apolipoprotein; BP, blood pressure; CAD, coronary artery disease; ELISA, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; Lp(a); lipoprotein(a); PAI-1, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1.
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A table elsewhere in this issue shows conventional and Système International (SI) units and conversion factors for many substances.
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- Accepted October 20, 2000.
- Received May 25, 2000.
- by the American Diabetes Association, Inc.
