: Formononetin, Serum or Plasma, Mass Concentration

: What Is Formononetin?

: Formononetin is an isoflavone found in certain plants, notably red clover and other legumes. It is a phytoestrogen, meaning it can weakly interact with estrogen receptors in the body. People are exposed to it mainly through diet and some botanical supplements.

: How the Test Works

: A blood sample is collected and analyzed in a laboratory to estimate the concentration of formononetin in serum or plasma. Because the method used can vary between laboratories, results are usually interpreted against the performing lab's own reference information rather than a single universal cutoff.

: Why It Might Be Ordered

: This measurement is most often used in research settings or specialized nutrition and metabolism evaluations to estimate recent intake or absorption of isoflavones. It is not a standard test for diagnosing or monitoring disease.

: What Results Mean

: A detected level reflects exposure to formononetin, largely from diet or supplements, and does not by itself indicate a health problem. Interpretation depends on the assay, the timing of sampling, and the individual's diet, so results should be reviewed with the ordering clinician.