Phytoestrogens in Soybean and Precocious Pubertal Development: Causality or Casuality?

Authors

  • Valeria Calcaterra Pediatric and Adolescent Unit, Department of Internal Medicine University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy and Department of Pediatrics, Children’ Hospital “Vittore Buzzi“, Milan, Italy
  • Corrado Regalbuto Pediatric Unit, Department of the Mother and Child Health Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo and University of Pavia, Italy
  • Giuseppe Mercurio Department of Pediatrics, Children’ Hospital “Vittore Buzzi“, Milan, Italy and Department of Health Sciences, University of Milano, Milano, Italy
  • Elisavietta Tenuta Pediatric and Adolescent Unit, Department of Internal Medicine University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
  • Elvira Verduci Department of Pediatrics, Children’ Hospital “Vittore Buzzi“, Milan, Italy and Department of Health Sciences, University of Milano, Milano, Italy
  • Gianvincenzo Zuccotti Department of Pediatrics, Children’ Hospital “Vittore Buzzi“, Milan, Italy and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science “L. Sacco”, University of Milano, Milano, Italy
  • Valentina Fabiano Department of Pediatrics, Children’ Hospital “Vittore Buzzi“, Milan, Italy and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science “L. Sacco”, University of Milano, Milano, Italy

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12974/2311-8687.2021.09.6

Keywords:

Phytoestrogens, Soybean, Precocious puberty, Soy beverage.

Abstract

Introduction: Data on the effects of phytoestrogens soy exposure on pubertal timing have been equivocal. We reported a case of a girl who had eaten only soy and derivatives for her first 9 years of life and presented clinical manifestation of precocious pubertal development.

Case presentation: A caucasian female infant, after 40 days of exclusive breastfeeding, was introduced to soy formula due to suspected milk protein allergy. Since then, the patient ate soy beverage and soy-based foods exclusively. At the age of 7 years and 9 months, the girl showed premature thelarche and pubarche. Advanced skeletal age was detected. Peak of LH after GnRH stimulation test was <5 mU/ml. At the age of 9 years, Tanner pubertal stage was 3, with a further advanced bone age; initial pubertal growth spurt and estrogenization of the external genitalia were also revealed. GnRH stimulation test produced a peak of LH 3.7 mU/ml. Other hormonal parameters resulted within normality ranges. Suspension of the intake of soy-based Fozods was adopted. After 6- 12 months of follow-up, the physical examination and lab results were unchanged compared to the previous investigation, without progression of bone age. A slow progression of puberty was recorded. The patient had menarche at the age of 11 years and 1 month.

Conclusion: This case suggests that soybean compounds may play a key role, as an environmental factor, in the precocious pubertal development. Special attention to diet is mandatory in pediatric age in order to preserve a physiological development and future health. 

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Published

2021-06-02

How to Cite

Calcaterra, V., Regalbuto, C., Mercurio, G., Tenuta, E., Verduci, E., Zuccotti, G., & Fabiano, V. (2021). Phytoestrogens in Soybean and Precocious Pubertal Development: Causality or Casuality?. International Journal of Pediatrics and Child Health, 9, 40–44. https://doi.org/10.12974/2311-8687.2021.09.6

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