Is Equol a soy isoflavone?
• No. “Soy isoflavone” is defined as an isoflavone found in soy. Since Equol is a metabolite of a soy isoflavone (diadzein) that is produced in the intestine after the consumption of soy products, it is not included in the soy isoflavone category. Structurally it is categorized in a group of compounds known as isoflavans. Moreover, because soy isoflavone is derived from a plant source and has estrogen-like activity, it is called a plant estrogen or phytoestrogen. Equol is not directly derived from a plant and therefore is not considered a plant estrogen.
