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Equol comes from soy. When soy is eaten, certain bacteria in the gut change the chemicals contained in soy to equol. However, only 20-60% of people are able to break down soy chemicals to form equol. Some studies have shown that people capable of breaking soy down to form equol get more health benefits from soy. These people are called equol producers.
Equol is used for symptoms of menopause. It is also used for weak and brittle bones (osteoporosis), aging skin, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Equol is a chemical that has some effects that are similar to the hormone estrogen, but it is much less potent than estrogen.
When taken by mouth: Equol is LIKELY SAFE when used for up to one year. Equol can cause some mild side effects such as constipation, bloating, and dizziness. It can also cause allergic reactions involving rash in some people.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information about the safety of taking equol if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.Breast Cancer: The effects of equol in people with breast cancer are unclear. Some research finds that equol might "feed" certain breast cancers because it can act like estrogen. Other studies have found that equol seems to protect against breast cancer. Because there isn't enough reliable information about the effects of equol in women with breast cancer, a history of breast cancer, or a family history of breast cancer, it is best to avoid using equol until more is known.
There are no known interactions with medications. Before taking this product, talk with your health professional if you take any medications.
Soy: Equol can be produced from soy in certain people. Taking equol with soy or soy isoflavones in people who are able to break down soy to produce equol might increase the risk of side effects from equol.
Food: Food can slow the absorption of equol. It is best to take it before meals.
Soy: Equol can be produced from soy in certain people. Taking equol with soy in people who are able to break down soy to produce equol might increase the risk of side effects from equol.
The following doses have been studied in scientific research:
BY MOUTH:
- For symptoms of menopause: 10-40 mg per day has been taken in divided doses for up to 12 weeks.
(3S)-3-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)-7-chromanol , 4',7-isoflavandiol, 7,4'-dihydroxy-isoflavan, 7-hydroxy-3-(4'-hydroxyphenyl)-chroman, SE5-OH, S-equol.
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