SOY ISOFLAVONE METABOLITE EQUOL

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This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. Equol is an important metabolite made in the body when soy is eaten. It is made by intestinal bacteria and not found in the urine and blood of infants before 4-months of age. We will determine when equol first appears in early life and whether it is breast feeding, cows milk formula or soy formula, or the composition of the post-weaning diet that predispose to the production of equol. Breast-feeding leads to differences in intestinal bacterial colonization and a lower pH compared with bottle-feeding, and this is expected to facilitate equol formation. In adults we will examine three broad dietary groups those consuming low, medium and high fiber as determined by a validated diet history questionnaire, to determine the role of adult diet in predisposition to make equol. We will also determine the pharmacokinetics of equol formation, and the long-term stability of equol-production in adults and its response to antibiotic use. For unknown reasons only one-third of adults consuming soy foods make equol. Recent studies of osteoporosis prevention, cardiovascular health, and menopause have shown that beneficial effects from soy foods are significantly greater in people who are 'equol-producers' compared with those unable to make equol. Since there are advantages to being an equol-producer it is important to understand the factors governing equol production. Given the clinical relevance of equol a greater understanding of factors governing its production is essential. This will facilitate future strategies to manipulate equol production and enhance the overall clinical effectiveness of soy foods.