A DIETARY supplement often used to combat the symptoms of menopause blocks a widely used breast cancer treatment. In tests on mice, the supplement genistein triggered the growth of tumours that had been brought under control with the drug tamoxifen.
Genistein, an oestrogen-like compound found in plants, is touted as a “natural” alternative to hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Olives, onions and soya are rich in genistein. It is also available in a more concentrated form in tablets, slimming drinks or foods such as bread made with soy germ flour. But because levels are not given on labels, it is possible…
