Effects of soy on bone growth and gut health in infants

Study of the Effects of Soy Exposure in Early Life on Bone Development and Gut Microbiota

Chinese University of Hong Kong · NCT05213780

This study is testing whether eating soy during pregnancy can help improve bone growth and gut health in infants.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment240 (estimated)
Ages3 Years to 45 Years
SexAll
SponsorChinese University of Hong Kong (other)
Locations1 site (Hong Kong)
Trial IDNCT05213780 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates how early-life exposure to soy affects gut microbiota and bone development in infants. Researchers will analyze clinical samples from mother-child pairs to explore the relationship between maternal soy intake and the child's bone growth and gut microbiome composition. The primary outcomes include measuring bone mineral density and dynamic bone formation parameters, while secondary outcomes focus on gut microbiome profiles and metabolomic analyses. The study aims to provide insights into the potential benefits of soy consumption during early life for optimizing bone health.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include healthy Chinese pregnant women aged 18-45 in their first trimester and their infants.

Not a fit: Patients with significant medical conditions or pregnancy complications may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide evidence for using soy preparations in early life to enhance bone growth and gut health.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this study is novel, previous research has indicated a link between gut microbiota and bone health, suggesting potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria for healthy pregnant women:

* Chinese mothers aged 18 - 45 years who were in the first trimester of pregnancy
* Singleton pregnancy
* Participate voluntarily and capable of giving informed consent

Inclusion Criteria for babies:

- The baby of enrolled pregnant women and parents signed written informed consent prior to the initiation of this study.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Significant medical conditions especially those required long term medications, such as oral steroid, antihypertensive drugs, diabetic medications and lipid-lowering agents, during or before pregnancy
* History of chronic inflammatory or neoplastic diseases involving the gastrointestinal tract (e.g. inflammatory bowel disease, coeliac disease, colorectal cancer)
* Significant pregnancy complications, such as intrauterine foetal demise/stillbirth, extreme prematurity, or pre-labour rupture of membranes before 24 weeks
* Mother with mental incapacity such that they are not able to give informed consent
* Foetal chromosomal or clinically significant structural abnormalities
* The current pregnancy is a conception through either sperm or ovum donation

Where this trial is running

Hong Kong

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Child Development, Soy isoflavones, Bone development, Soy oligonucleotide, Gut microbiome, Prebiotics, Postbiotics, Early life exposure

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.