- Equol is a bacterial-derived metabolite with estrogenic and antioxidant activity. Reductase enzymes secreted by the gut microbiota convert daidzein into equol. Daidzein is an isoflavone from soy, tofu, soy milk, tempeh, miso.
- The ability to produce equol varies among individuals because only people who possess the intestinal bacteria capable of producing equol are regarded as equol producers. Vegetarians reported significantly higher rates of equol production.
- Spot-urine equol levels have been found to correlate strongly with serum concentrations.
- Women with PMS had a significantly higher risk of being an equol nonproducer. Intake of daidzein from soy has been associated with reductions of estrogen-dependent and aging-associated disorders. Isoflavonoid-rich herbal supplement (included daidzein) improved intima-media thickness of carotid arteries (CIMT) and inhibited growth of existing atherosclerotic plaques of postmenopausal women.
Equol
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