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To the Editor: The study by Dr Kreijkamp-Kaspers and colleagues¹ indicates that the daily intake of soy protein enriched with isoflavones has no role in improving cognitive function, BMD, and plasma lipid levels in relatively elderly postmenopausal women. Although this conclusion about the administration of soy isoflavones appears valid, there is good evidence that soy protein may be effective in lowering plasma lipid levels. This is supported by the meta-analysis by Anderson et al² cited in this article. Most of the studies in this meta-analysis used far higher daily doses of soy protein than the present study did. Studies such as that of the "dietary portfolio"³ support a real benefit of vegetable vs animal protein for the reduction of hypercholesterolemia and for cardiovascular disease prevention.

Cesare R. Sirtori, MD, PhD
cesare.sitori@unimi.it
University of Milan
University Center of Hyperlipidemias
Niguarda Hospital
Milan, Italy

1. Kreijkamp-Kaspers S, Kok L, Grobbee DE, et al. Effect of soy protein containing isoflavones on cognitive function, bone mineral density, and plasma lipids in postmenopausal women: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2004;292:65-74. FREE FULL TEXT 2. Anderson JW, Johnstone BM, Cook-Newell ME. Meta-analysis of the effects of soybean protein intake on serum lipids. N Engl J Med. 1995;333:276-282. FREE FULL TEXT 3. Jenkins DJ, Kendall CW, Marchie A, et al. Effects of a dietary portfolio of cholesterol-lowering foods vs lovastatin on serum lipids and C-reactive protein. JAMA. 2003;290:502-510. FREE FULL TEXT

Letters Section Editor: Robert M. Golub, MD, Senior Editor.

JAMA. 2004;292:2336-2337.

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