Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Ipriflavone is a synthetic isoflavone derived from naturally occurring plant compounds and has been investigated for its potential benefits in bone health, particularly in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Scientific interest in ipriflavone began in the 1980s and 1990s, with several clinical studies suggesting that it could help slow bone loss and promote bone density in postmenopausal women and individuals at risk for osteoporosis. The proposed mechanism is that ipriflavone inhibits bone resorption by osteoclasts and stimulates osteoblast activity, thereby supporting the maintenance of healthy bone tissue.

A number of randomized controlled trials, primarily from Europe and Asia, reported positive effects of ipriflavone supplementation on bone mineral density (BMD) and markers of bone turnover. However, later and larger studies, such as a prominent multicenter trial published in 2001 in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), did not find significant benefits of ipriflavone in preventing bone loss in postmenopausal women over three years. Additionally, concerns about adverse effects, like lymphocytopenia (a reduction in white blood cells), were raised.

While ipriflavone is not widely recommended or approved for osteoporosis management in the United States, it is still used in some countries and featured in dietary supplements targeting bone health. Overall, the evidence for ipriflavone is mixed, with early promising results tempered by more recent studies showing limited efficacy, resulting in a moderate evidence rating.

More about ipriflavone
More about Skeletal System (Bones)

Other ingredients that support Skeletal System (Bones)

Other body systems supported by ipriflavone

Products containing ipriflavone

Metagenics Bone Builder Prime
Pure Encapsulations CAL+ with Ipriflavone
Pure Encapsulations CAL+ with Ipriflavone