Methoxyisoflavone as a dietary supplement
Methoxyisoflavone is a dietary supplement derived from isoflavones, which are naturally occurring compounds found in soy and other foods. This supplement is primarily marketed for sports and fitness enhancement, with claims that it can increase muscle mass without the androgenic effects associated with anabolic steroids. Methoxyisoflavone is a chemical derivative of ipriflavone, originally developed for osteoporosis treatment. Although some users report benefits, such as improved muscle mass and reduced body fat, these claims are largely based on anecdotal evidence and preliminary studies rather than rigorous scientific research.
Typical dosages range from 200 to 400 milligrams taken twice daily, but comprehensive safety and efficacy testing for methoxyisoflavone has not been conducted. While some early studies suggest potential benefits for bone density and anti-inflammatory effects, these claims lack robust support from controlled trials. Additionally, the safety of long-term use remains uncertain, leaving users to consider potential risks. Overall, those interested in methoxyisoflavone should approach it with caution and seek further research to make informed decisions.
Methoxyisoflavone as a dietary supplement
- DEFINITION: Natural product used as a dietary supplement for specific health benefits.
- PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USE: Sports and fitness enhancement, improve bone density, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer
Overview
Isoflavones are naturally occurring, hormonally active substances found in soy and other foods. Chemical modifications of isoflavones have been studied as possible alternative treatments for various conditions. One of these modifications, ipriflavone, was developed primarily for treating osteoporosis. Methoxyisoflavone is a chemical derivative of ipriflavone, but it is marketed as a bodybuilding supplement.
Sources
Methoxyisoflavone is not a nutrient and is not supplied to any meaningful extent in food. However, it is possible that, once in the body, natural isoflavones, such as daidzein, may be converted into methoxyisoflavone.
Therapeutic Dosages
A typical recommended dose of methoxyisoflavone is 200 to 400 milligrams (mg) taken twice daily.
Therapeutic Uses
Methoxyisoflavone is marketed as an anabolic steroid, said to increase muscle mass without causing androgenic (testosterone-like) effects. However, these claims are based mainly on anecdotal and preliminary studies.
The use of methoxyisoflavone in the United States began with two US patents established in the late 1970s. The patent applications report a few research studies performed by the Hungarian pharmaceutical company Chinoin. None of these studies were published in peer-reviewed journals; furthermore, even as described, this research is inadequate to demonstrate effectiveness, as it does only of animal studies and exceedingly preliminary studies on humans. Proof of effectiveness is not required to establish a patent.
One placebo-controlled human trial on methoxyisoflavone found that athletes who took 800 mg daily of methoxyisoflavone for eight weeks experienced a significantly more significant increase in muscle mass than those who took placebo. However, despite claims made by methoxyisoflavone retailers and proponents, this study was not published in a prestigious journal. Instead, it appeared in a “supplement” published in association with a fairly prestigious journal. Supplements are special editions printed by a journal for extra income; they explicitly lack the journal's supervision, approval, review, or imprimatur. For this reason, all studies published in journal supplements must be carefully considered. This is particularly so in cases such as methoxyisoflavone, in which only an abstract was published rather than the full text of the study itself. In the early twenty-first century, double-blind placebo-controlled trials of methoxyisoflavone for sports and exercise enhancement were undertaken. However, their results failed to show any benefits from supplementation.
There are several other proposed therapeutic uses for methoxyisoflavone. However, they require scientific study to prove their effectiveness. Proponents of methoxyisoflavone claim it can not only increase muscle mass but also decrease body fat. It has also been suggested as an alternative therapy for improving bone density, suggesting it could play a role in osteoporosis treatment. Methoxyisoflavone's anti-inflammatory properties may also aid arthritis. Early research has indicated that methoxyisoflavone may contain anti-cancer properties. However, no double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of methoxyisoflavone for any of these uses have been undertaken.
Safety Issues
Methoxyflavone has not undergone comprehensive safety testing. Those who take it do so at their own risk.
Bibliography
"American College of Sports Medicine Position Stand: Nutrition and Athletic Performance." Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, vol. 41, 2009, pp. 709-731.
Manore, M., et al. "BJSM Reviews: A-Z of Nutritional Supplements: Dietary Supplements, Sports Nutrition Foods, and Ergogenic Aids for Health and Performance." British Journal of Sports Medicine, vol. 45, 2011, pp. 73-74.
"Methoxyisoflavone for Sports & Fitness." PeaceHealth, 18 Mar. 2015, www.peacehealth.org/medical-topics/id/hn-3888000. Accessed 7 Oct. 2024.
"Methoxyisoflavone - Uses." Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington, 23 May 2015, wa.kaiserpermanente.org/kbase/topic.jhtml?docId=hn-3947004. Accessed 7 Oct. 2024.