Summary The study determined the effect of breast-feeding on osteoporosis, especially in people with low calcium intakes and vitamin D deficiencies. Data from 1231 postmenopausal women were analysed, and it was found an increase in the risk of osteoporosis was found in women with prolonged breast-feeding histories. The authors concluded that calcium and vitamin D…
Summary Vitamin C is an important antioxidant that is involved in the regulation of development, function, and maintenance of several tissues in the body. This review examines the importance of vitamin C in the development and maintenance of bone tissue. The results showed that vitamin C exerts a positive effect on bone formation. More details…
Summary This study evaluated the effect of maternal deficiency of vitamin B12 on growth and bone mass of the offspring. The experiments, performed with an animal model, showed that vitamin B12 deficiency resulted in severe growth retardation and osteoporosis of the offspring. These results identify B12 as an essential vitamin which suggests possible therapies in…
Summary Osteoporosis is a chronic disease associated with decreased bone density. Pharmacological treatments are often limited, and a new interest in the use of naturally occurring compounds is growing. Alpha-lipoic acid is a naturally occurring compound with antioxidant properties, and current data indicate that alpha-lipoic acid protects from bone loss. More details can be found…
Summary This study evaluated the effect of vitamin C on bone density. Dietary information of a total of 1,196 postmenopausal women aged 50 years and older were assessed using a questionnaire. The results showed that dietary vitamin C intake was positively associated with bone density in postmenopausal women, and inadequate vitamin C intake could increase…
Summary This study evaluated the relationship between vitamin C intake and bone fracture. 366 men and 592 women (mean age 75 years) were asked to complete a questionnaire on food habits. It was found that high vitamin C intake was associated with a reduced risk of fractures. These data suggested a possible protective effect of…
Summary This study analyzed the relationship between the intakes of micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) and developing osteoporosis. Vitamin and mineral intakes were estimated from a three-day food record in 120 children. The researchers found that intakes of vitamin D, calcium and potassium were inadequate, whereas sodium intake was considered to be too high. In conclusion,…
Summary This study evaluated the effects of two essential amino acids, arginine and lysine, on bone growth. The experiments were performed with human bone cells (osteoblasts). The researchers found that arginine and lysine had positive effects on bone formation. It was concluded that the administration of these amino acids may be useful in the treatment…
Summary This study evaluated the relationship between blood levels of trace elements (magnesium, zinc and copper) and bone density. 120 postmenopausal women were assigned to the following study groups: participants with osteoporosis, participants with osteopenia (precursor to osteoporosis) or participants with normal bone density. The authors found that concentrations of magnesium and zinc were significantly…
Summary This research explored the question of whether intake recommendations for calcium are sufficient to maintain bone health. For this purpose, the study authors collected data on calcium intake recommendations. Based on their analyses the researchers concluded that current calcium intake recommendations (ranging between 600 mg and 800 mg calcium per day) are too low.…
Summary This study investigated the effects of green tea on bone loss. The experiments were performed using 20 female rats. The researchers found that green tea had a protective effect against bone loss. This effect was also recognized as a possible means to fight oxidative stress (imbalance between free radicals production and the body´s antioxidant…
Summary The objective of this study was to determine the effect of an insufficient magnesium intake (half the amount required) on bone health. To this end, blood levels of magnesium were investigated in female rats. The results showed that the insufficient intake of magnesium negatively affected bone health, i.e. by causing a reduced bone mineral…
Summary This study investigated the effects of magnesium on bone turnover. Bone turnover is associated with osteoporosis in women after menopause. It represents the total bone that is resorbed and formed over a certain period of time. Blood and urine were analyzed in 20 postmenopausal women who were given either a magnesium supplement or no…
Summary This review collected studies on the relationship between low dietary magnesium intake and osteoporosis. In one of the experiments magnesium deficiency was induced in rats (at 10%, 25% and 50% of the recommended nutrient requirement), thereby causing bone loss. The authors concluded that low dietary magnesium intake can be associated with an increased risk…
Summary This study evaluated the protective effects of soy compounds (isoflavones) against osteoporosis. Mice were administered either 17beta-estradiol, which is a hormone commonly used in the treatment of osteoporosis, or soy isoflavones. The results suggested that soy isoflavones effectively mitigated osteoporosis. Further details can be found in the study. References Dae Won Kim, Ki-Yeon Yoo, Yoon-Bok Lee, Keun-Ha…
Summary This study evaluated the relationship between vitamin C deficiency and the development of fractures caused by osteoporosis (“spontaneous” fractures). Analyses of vitamin C-deficient mice revealed a reduction of bone formation (process by which new bone is produced) by more than 90%. The researchers concluded that vitamin C is essential for the maintenance of bone…
Summary This study determined the effect of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) on bone density. For a 12-month period, 90 elderly people were given either a placebo, vitamin C plus vitamin E or 1,000 mg of ascorbic acid plus 400 IU of alpha-tocopherol. The results suggested that the administration of vitamin C…
Summary This study investigated the effects of a dietary boron supplement on osteoporosis. The experiments were performed with 32 rats, 24 of which were suffering from osteoporosis. 8 rats with osteoporosis received a dietary boron supplement. After 30 days of treatment, blood levels of boron were determined and the bone conditions were analyzed. The results…
Summary This study evaluated vitamin D blood levels in patients with osteoporosis. 1515 female osteoporosis patients were enrolled in the study. All patients were treated with conventional therapy. The results showed that optimal vitamin D concentrations are needed to maximize the effectiveness of conventional osteoporosis therapy. More details can be found in the study. References…
Summary This study evaluated the effects of vitamin E on bone health. Male rats were given either vitamin E or no treatment for 4 months. The researchers found that the vitamin E supplementation resulted in an improved bone structure, which contributed to stronger bones. It was therefore suggested that vitamin E can be used as…
Summary This review collected studies on the association between green tea consumption and the prevention of age-related bone loss in elderly women and men. Different aspects were investigated such as green tea composition, involvement of oxidative stress (imbalance between free radicals production and the body´s antioxidant defenses) and the protective effects of green tea against…
Summary This study investigated the effects of green tea on bone structure. 20 female rats were involved in this 16-week investigation. The results showed that green tea supplementation supported bone structure by suppressing bone erosion and enhancing bone formation. More details can be found in the study. References Chwan-Li Shen, James K Yeh, Barbara J Stoecker, Ming-Chien Chyu, Jia-Sheng…
Summary This study evaluated the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on bone health. For 6 weeks, 23 participants either consumed an average American diet or a diet containing alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3 fatty acid) and linoleic acid (omega-6 fatty acid). The results indicated that omega-3 fatty acids can have a protective effect on bone. Further details…
Summary This study evaluated the effects of vitamins C and E on bone turnover (total volume of bone that is both resorbed and formed over a certain period of time). Blood and bone density were analyzed in 533 women, of which 22 were current users of supplemental vitamin C or E. The results showed that…
Summary This study analyzed the association between hip fractures and the intake of micronutrients such as calcium, magnesium, vitamin D and vitamin K. A survey provided data from both men and women. The results showed that an increased micronutrient intake is associated with a reduced risk of hip fracture. References Yumi Yaegashi, Toshiyuki Onoda, Kozo Tanno, Toru Kuribayashi, Kiyomi…
Summary This study evaluated the effects of boron and fish oil (source of omega-3 fatty acids) on bone strength. The experiments were performed with rats and showed that boron and fish oil had beneficial effects on bone. More details can be found in the study. References Yumi Yaegashi, Toshiyuki Onoda, Kozo Tanno, Toru Kuribayashi, Kiyomi…
Summary This study compared the effects of consuming dairy products fortified with calcium and vitamin D to calcium supplementation alone. 101 women after menopause were given either calcium and vitamin D via fortified dairy products, calcium supplementation or no treatment. The results suggested that the consumption of calcium- and vitamin D-rich dairy products induced positive…
Summary This study analyzed the relationship between citrus consumption and bone strength. Citrus compounds were tested on 70 male rats for 60 days. The results showed that citrus compounds had beneficial effects on bone strength. More details can be found in the study. References Kranthi Mandadi, Marilee Ramirez, Guddadarangavvanahally K Jayaprakasha, Bahram Faraji, Makuba Lihono, Farzad Deyhim, Bhimanagouda S Patil …
Summary This study investigated whether vitamin D and calcium can prevent bone deterioration, which is an early sign of osteoporosis. Elderly women, consuming either vitamin D- and calcium-fortified yogurt or non-fortified yogurt, were observed for 56 days. The results showed that the fortification of dairy products with vitamin D and calcium can prevent bone deterioration…
Summary This study evaluated the effects of vitamin K on bone loss. 40 healthy women after menopause were given either vitamin K or a placebo for 4 weeks. The results showed that the supplementation with vitamin K can be beneficial in the maintenance of bone health. More details can be found in the study. References…
Summary The present study assessed the effects of different micronutrient combinations on bone health. 200 healthy people were given either vitamin D, vitamin D plus calcium, multiple micronutrients plus calcium or no treatment. The results showed that the vitamin D and calcium supplementation as well as the supplementation of multiple micronutrients and calcium had beneficial…
Summary This study evaluated the relationship between soybean consumption and bone loss after menopause. 24 rats were included in the experiments. The results showed that the supplementation with isoflavone, a compound contained in soybean, prevented the loss of bone density. More details can be found in the study. References Yoon-Bok Lee, Hyong Joo Lee, Kang Sung Kim, Jae-Yong…
Summary This study investigated the effects of orange pulp, a source of vitamin C and flavonoids, on bone quality. 43 rats were included and treated for 4 months. The results showed that orange pulp improved the bone structure. Further details can be found in the study. References Rori Morrow, Farzad Deyhim, Bhimanagouda S Patil, Barbara J Stoecker …