An overview of dietary isoflavones on bone health: The association between calcium bioavailability and gut microbiota modulation

Osteoporosis is the most common cause of morbidity and economic burden globally. Osteoporosis treatment and management may be lacking in current methods. Isoflavones are considered potential alternatives to bone loss and osteoporosis therapy. This review aimed to describe the effect of dietary isoflavones on bone health. The association of calcium bioavailability and gut microbiota was discussed in this paper. Daidzein, genistein, and their metabolites, namely equol, are essential isoflavones in bone formation. Isoflavones play a role in calcium homeostasis during the calcium uptake process by mobilizing bone calcium into the circulation. Isoflavones and equol increase bone mineral density in the gastrointestinal tract by stimulating bone formation. However, despite the fact that isoflavones promote bone health by regulating the bioavailability of calcium and gut microbiota, conflicting results have defined their effects. Therefore, further research on the effects of isoflavones on bone health is still required to confirm the link between calcium bioavailability and gut microbiota. (C) 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.