Supplementation of Equol Producing Bacteria Alters Sex Steroid Homeostasis in a Sexual Dimorphic Manner

Objectives: Equol is an intestinal microbial metabolite derived from the soy isoflavone daidzein, known for its high estrogenic capacity and anti-inflammatory properties. These attributes are considered beneficial for postmenopausal women with estrogen deficiency; however, the impact of intestinal equol-producing capacity on sex steroid homeostasis in men and premenopausal women remains unclear. Interestingly, fewer than half of the human population harbor intestinal microbiota capable of producing equol, which may result in a dichotomy in the effects of soy consumption on sex steroids.