Phytoestrogens and the intestinal microbiome.

摘要

The microflora of the digestive tract is composed of a unique setof bacteria, yeasts, viruses and other microorganisms, generallyknown as the microbiome. The microbiome exhibits considerableinter-individual variability, with up to two-thirds of the microfloradiffering between individuals. Because of this, the variableintestinal microflora is responsible for many differences inmetabolic, hormonal and immunological processes in humansand animals. Significant differences have been observed in themetabolism of phytoestrogens, naturally occurring substancesthat possess estrogenic or anti-estrogenic activity. Thesesubstances occur predominately in legumes, especially in soy andmany soy products. Because of their effects, phytoestrogens areused as an alternative therapy for menopausal disorders andbenign prostate hyperplasia. In connection with the worldwideexpansion of soy products as part of healthy lifestyles includingvegetarianism and veganism, phytoestrogens have becomea regular part of everyday life. The activity of phytoestrogens isstrongly dependent on the microbiome. Their metabolites havestronger estrogenic activity than the natural substancesthemselves, and because of the variability in microbiomes, thereare large differences in the effects of phytoestrogens amongindividuals.