Hypocholesterolaemic effects of soya proteins: results of recent studies are predictable from the Anderson meta-analysis data

Abstract

In 1995, Anderson et al. published a meta-analysis, derived from most of the clinical studies on soya proteins given to individuals with varying levels of cholesterolaemia that had been reported up to that time. The meta-analysis clearly indicated that cholesterolaemias were generally reduced by diets with soya given as a partial or total substitution of animal proteins, with final mean total and LDL-cholesterol reductions of 23·2 mg/dl and 21·7 mg/dl, respectively. These findings were recently strongly criticised, based on the evaluation of later studies, frequently involving individuals with normal or moderately elevated cholesterolaemias. In the present paper, these more recent studies were re-evaluated using a 'nomogram' prepared on the basis of the quartiles of initial cholesterol concentrations in the Anderson meta-analysis and their corresponding CI for net cholesterol change. The five studies belonging to the first quartile and thirteen out of the fourteen belonging to the second quartile gave results perfectly in line with the nomogram. Out of the fourteen studies belonging to the third quartile, ten agreed with the nomogram and two gave lower cholesterol reductions, whereas two gave higher reductions. Unfortunately, none of the recent studies belonged to the fourth quartile as treatment with statins or other lipid-lowering drugs is now mandatory in the presence of very high cholesterol levels. The re-evaluation thus shows that the thirty-three studies published in the past 10 years are in agreement with the Anderson meta-analysis and confirm its validity.

The health benefits of sweet lupin seed flours and isolated proteins

“…The studies in the area of dyslipidaemia prevention were stimulated by the similarities of the composition of lupin and soybean, which is one of the main functional ingredient for dyslipidaemia prevention (Harland & Haffner, 2008;Jenkins, Mirrahimi, Srichaikul, Berryman, Wang, Carleton, et al, 2010;C R Sirtori, Eberini, & Arnoldi, 2007).…”

Comparative proteome analysis of seed storage and allergenic proteins among four narrow-leafed lupin cultivars

“…Proteins sourced from plants are considered to be valuable ingredients by the food industry in the preparation functional foods (Sirtori, Eberini, & Arnoldi, 2007). Although soybean is currently the major source of plant protein in food preparation, other grain legumes especially lupin are in rapid development as protein sources (Dijkstra, Linnemann, & van Boekel, 2003).…”

Nutritional and Bioactive Compounds of Soybean: Benefits on Human Health

“…The consumption of soybean or its bioactive compounds has been reported to contribute significantly to reducing cholesterol and triglyceride levels in laboratory animals and humans (Esteves et al, 2011;Reynolds et al, 2006;Sirtori et al, 2007;Sirtori et al, 2009). The beneficial effect on lipemia has been explained by the action of various constituents present in soybean which act via different mechanisms: Amino acid protein profile.…”