[Advances on the study of equol metabolism in human].

Equol, the metabolic end product of soybean isoflavones, is a highly stable molecule, only can be changed to beta-glucuronide (mainly)/sulfate and not be metabolized further. Equol can be quickly absorbed and reached the peak value in blood after 1-2 h. The biological half-life of equol is 7-8 h. It was found that majority of equol was discharged through urine and the discharge ratio was not affected by the person who can produce equol or not. Equol plays an important role in health. The ability of using Equol is different among individuals and the differences are not affected by the person who can produce equol or not.