Japan issues safety data on isoflavone intake
for soy isoflavones, after applications to register the supplements
as food for specified health use (FOSHU).
The Cabinet Office's Food Safety Commission said on Monday that a daily intake of around 30 milligrams of isoflavone through supplement is safe, in addition to consumption of the soy components through other foods, according to a Kyodo News report.
Isoflavones, which mimic the female hormone oestrogen, are taken by women to help menopause symptoms and studies are also investigating their benefits to bone health.
There have been some fears however that their consumption might increase the risk of cancer.
The Japanese panel concluded that consumers could safely consume up to 70-75 mg of isoflavones from foods and supplements. Typically, the Japanese consume less than 70 mg of isoflavone in their daily diet.
"It will not cause immediate health damage even if you exceed the upper limit," the commission said.
