Q: Is it safe for men to take S-equol?
The current intended use is for helping the relief of certain menopausal symptoms in women. A study in healthy Japanese men documented that concentrations of their reproductive hormones, thyroid hormones and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) remained within the normal range after 12 weeks of receiving S-equol via a supplement.17
Q: Is it safe for children to take S-equol?
Currently, the benefits of the S-equol product are based on studies performed in adults. It is not advised for use in infants and children and should not be given to these individuals. This is not because it has been found to be unsafe, but rather it is because it has not been tested in children.
Q: Can I take S-equol if I am pregnant, trying to become pregnant or nursing?
As with many dietary supplements, you should avoid taking S-equol if you are pregnant or nursing. It has not been studied in pregnant or nursing women.
Q: Does S-equol have any effect on fertility?
It is not recommended that you take S-equol if you are trying to become pregnant. It has not been studied in women trying to become pregnant.
Q: Is S-equol safe for someone with digestive problems?
Other than for digestive problems caused by allergy to soy, S-equol should not impact the digestive system. The product contains a small amount of natural soy fibers that may cause some early flatulence in some sensitive individuals.
Q: Can I take S-equol if I am allergic to soy?
As S-equol is a soy-based product, you should not take this product if you are allergic to soy.
Q: Can I take S-equol if I am an equol producer?
Yes. Even if your body produces equol naturally, the amount of additional S-equol in a dietary supplement is safe to consume when taken according to label directions.
Q: Can I take S-equol if I am a non-equol producer?
Yes, studies have not indicated any safety concern from ingestion of S-equol by individuals who do not naturally produce equol in their bodies. For instance, there are many reports of clinical trials involving people with almost no previous intake history of soy isoflavone who were suddenly given large amounts of soybean foods. The equol–producers in these studies were in a similar situation as non-equol producing people who consumed large amounts of S-equol for the first time. No impact on female hormones nor menstrual cycle were reported.
Q: I had breast cancer — can I take S-equol?
S-equol has not been tested in women who have had breast cancer. It is always advisable for women to consult their physicians or health care professionals regarding dietary supplements.
Q: As a soy-based product, might S-equol interfere with my thyroid medication?
S-equol has not been tested in women who take synthetic thyroid medications. It is always advisable for women to consult their physicians or health care professionals regarding dietary supplements.