Greater habitual soyfood consumption is associated with decreased carotid intima-media thickness and better plasma lipids in Chinese middle-aged adults

Atherosclerosis. 2008 Jun;198(2):403-11. doi: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2007.10.001. Epub 2007 Nov 26.

Abstract

Many clinical studies have shown high-dose supplemental soy protein has beneficial effects on cardiovascular risk factors. We examined the association between habitual soyfood intake and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and plasma lipids in a cross-sectional study including 406 (M 134, F 272) middle-aged Chinese adults (40-65 years) without confirmed relevant diseases. We found significantly dose-respondent decreases in bifurcation IMT, total and LDL cholesterol associated with increased usual soyfood intake after adjusting for potential confounders (p for trend, all p<0.05). Covariate-adjusted mean bifurcation IMT, total and LDL cholesterol decreased by 9.4%, 6.2% and 10.4% in women (p=0.020, 0.035, 0.110), 16.0%, 12.3% and 19.6% in men (p=0.036, 0.005, 0.002), and 9.9%, 9.3% and 15.4% in total men and women combined (p=0.010, <0.001, <0.001) when the mean intake of soy protein increased from 0.87 (F) or 0.64 (M) g/day (1st tertile) to 8.35 (F) or 7.48 (M) g/day (3rd tertile), respectively. Significant interaction between sex and soy consumption on bifurcation IMT was observed (p=0.008). In conclusion, higher habitual soyfood consumption is associated with decreased bifurcation IMT, plasma TC and LDL-c in middle-aged Chinese adults. The association is more apparent in men than in women.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Asian People
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / prevention & control
  • Carotid Artery, Common / diagnostic imaging*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Feeding Behavior*
  • Female
  • Glycine max*
  • Humans
  • Lipids / blood*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Tunica Intima / diagnostic imaging*
  • Tunica Media / diagnostic imaging*
  • Ultrasonography

Substances

  • Lipids