Soy-based S-equol supplement shows heart health benefits for obese

Results of the randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover trial indicated that daily tablets of natural S-equal were associated with improvements in LDL cholesterol levels and cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) scores.

“These findings suggest that natural S-equol has a role in the prevention of diabetes and cardiovascular disease through suppressing HbA1c [a marker of long-term presence of excess glucose in the blood], low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and cardio-ankle vascular index in overweight or obese individuals, based on sex and equol-producing capability,” ​wrote Japanese researchers in Clinical Endocrinology​​.​

Equol​

Individuals have different abilities to produce equol – an isoflavandiol that may have beneficial effects on prostate health, bone health, and for managing menopausal symptoms. Equol is produced in the gut by bacteria, but only 30 to 50% of people are reported to have the intestinal bacteria necessary to produce it.

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. has developed a proprietary process to produce a natural S-equol supplement by fermenting whole soy germ with Lactococcus 20-92 to convert daidzein to S-equol.

The S-equol ingredient is created under current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) and is self-affirmed GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe).

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. provided the supplements used and funded the study.

Study details​

Researchers from the Clinical Research Institute at the Kyoto Medical Center recruited 54 overweight and obese Japanese and randomly assigned them to receive either placebo or S-equal tablets (daily dose of 10 mg S-equol). The data showed that only 32.1% of the participants were equol producers.

After 12 weeks of supplementation, the participants experienced significant decreases in HbA1c, LDL cholesterol levels and CAVI score, with results greater for female equol non-producers.

“Therefore, equol supplements might be effective for protection from CVD risks, not only in patients with metabolic syndrome but also in those who are overweight or obese,” ​wrote the researchers.

“Our findings also showed that the beneficial effects of natural S-equol supplementation were more evident in overweight or obese female subjects that were equol non-producers.”​

Source: Clinical Endocrinology​​
March 2013, Volume 78, Issue 3, pages 365–372, doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2265.2012.04400.x
“Effects of natural S-equol supplements on overweight or obesity and metabolic syndrome in the Japanese, based on sex and equol status”​
Authors: Usui T, Tochiya M, Sasaki Y, Muranaka K, Yamakage H, Himeno A, Shimatsu A, Inaguma A, Ueno T, Uchiyama S, Satoh-Asahara N.