Equol
Equol
Equol (pronounced /ˈiːkwɒl/) is a non-steroidal estrogen metabolite produced by microbial flora in the gut. It is a product of the metabolism of the soy isoflavone daidzein.
Etymology
The term "Equol" was first coined in 1982 and is derived from the word "equine," referring to its initial discovery in the urine of pregnant mares.
Definition
Equol is a unique isoflavone metabolite with the ability to bind to estrogen receptors, exerting both estrogenic and anti-estrogenic effects. It is the only known isoflavone to possess this property, making it a subject of interest in the study of various health conditions, including menopausal symptoms, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease.
Production
Equol is not produced directly by the human body but is instead a byproduct of the microbial digestion of soy isoflavones in the gut. Not all individuals can produce equol, with rates of equol production varying widely among populations.
Related Terms
- Isoflavones: A class of organic compounds, often naturally occurring, related to the isoflavonoids. Many act as phytoestrogens in mammals.
- Daidzein: An isoflavone found in food, especially soybeans. It is a precursor of equol.
- Phytoestrogens: Plant-derived xenoestrogens that function similarly to the hormone estrogen.
- Estrogen: The primary female sex hormone responsible for the development and regulation of the female reproductive system and secondary sex characteristics.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Equol
- Wikipedia's article - Equol
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