Equol is a compound produced by gut bacteria during the metabolism of the soy isoflavone daidzein. It functions as a non-steroidal estrogen and may offer various health benefits, including antioxidant and hormone-balancing effects. However, only certain individuals have the specific gut bacteria capable of producing equol. Measuring equol in stool samples helps determine whether the gut microbiome can efficiently convert daidzein, providing insight into microbial diversity and function related to estrogen metabolism.
Equol is a metabolite produced by gut bacteria from the soy isoflavone daidzein, and it exhibits estrogen-like activity.
To evaluate if your gut microbiome can convert daidzein into equol, indicating specific microbial activity.
Yes, equol is regarded as beneficial because of its antioxidant properties and its potential to help maintain hormone balance.
No, only about 30–50% of people have the gut bacteria needed to produce equol from soy isoflavones.