TOKYO, Feb. 1 (UPI) -- Japan's Food Safety Commission has issued a warning about excessive consumption of soy isoflavone supplements, a nutrient thought to help prevent illnesses.
The commission said isoflavone -- an estrogen-like compound found in soybeans -- might pose health risks, especially among pregnant women and infants, the Asahi Shimbun reported Wednesday.
Many people take isoflavone supplements because they are believed to reduce cholesterol levels and prevent some cancers, osteoporosis and other ailments.
The government panel recommended a daily limit of 75 mgs for isoflavone and a daily limit for isoflavone supplements of 30 milligrams when taken in addition to regular meals. Pregnant women and infants should not consume the supplement, the panel said.
The Japan Health Food and Nutrition Food Association questioned the validity of the data the panel used in reaching its conclusions, Asahi reported.
It's estimated 95 percent of Japanese take 70 mg or less of soy isoflavone daily -- a level at which no health risks were reported.
