Sanitary safety, our COFRAC accredited Isoflavones assay method

Soy is an important source of isoflavones. But what exactly are isoflavones?

Many plant foods, including legumes, whole grains and vegetables, contain isoflavones.
Soybeans are the most important source.
Twelve different isoflavones have been isolated from soybeans and soy products. The composition of these compounds is influenced by the genotype, the culture medium for the seeds and by the production processes for the processed soy products.
Controversial health effects
Several studies have highlighted, under certain conditions, the health properties of soy isoflavones:
prevention of cardiovascular diseases, certain cancers and hot flashes during menopause. On the other hand, adverse effects have also been established in certain cases on the reproductive development and fertility of several animal species.
The 12 isoflavones differ significantly in terms of bioavailability and metabolism. Knowing the content and composition of isoflavones in soybeans and soy products is therefore an essential prerequisite for setting up diets to prevent certain diseases.

Our COFRAC accredited internal method
ITERG's Analytical Development team has been working on a method for the determination of isoflavones in soy products based on an AOAC standard (by HPLC), with an adjustment of the concentrations of the standard range points to accommodate the quantification of lower levels, not included in the scope of the standard.
In 2021, the determination of isoflavone content (in-house method) was added to our COFRAC scope of accreditation for soybeans, plain juice, plain tofu, fermented and textured soy dessert matrices.
We offer you Services targeted according to your needs
Our Analysis & Expertise Department offers manufacturers the determination of the isoflavone content and composition of soybeans and soy-based products.
All types of products have been analyzed:
- Drinks
- Desserts
- Yoghurt
- Kitchen cream
- Tofu
- Tofu patty, soy wheat burger, vegetable minced meat, marinated slices of soy wheat
- Whole soybeans, Soybean sprouts, Sprout powder
- Soy concentrate
- Soy oil
