Milk isn’t the only dietary option beneficial for bone health. A recent study led by researchers at Penn State has highlighted that prunes may also safeguard bone structure and strength in postmenopausal women. Published in the journal *Osteoporosis International*, the study reveals that regular consumption of prunes can decelerate age-associated bone loss and diminish fracture risks.
“This pioneering randomized controlled trial is the first to investigate three-dimensional bone outcomes, focusing on bone structure, geometry, and estimated strength,” stated Mary Jane De Souza, a distinguished professor of kinesiology and physiology at Penn State. “Our findings indicate that daily intake of prunes affects factors linked to fracture risk, which is clinically invaluable.”
Bone is a dynamic tissue continuously undergoing a remodelling process where specialized cells replace old bone with new. As people age, this balance shifts and bone breakdown surpasses bone formation, leading to accelerated bone loss. This can progress to osteoporosis, characterized by reduced bone density and structural changes that weaken the bone and increase fracture risk. Osteoporosis affects over 10 million Americans, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and is more prevalent in women than men, particularly in older adults.
The condition is especially concerning for postmenopausal women; according to the researchers, during menopause, estrogen levels, which are crucial for bone health, decline and accelerate bone density loss. Although medications are available to treat osteoporosis, many women who could benefit from them are not using them.
Prunes are a promising natural alternative, as explained by De Souza. They contain bioactive compounds like polyphenols that may inhibit the inflammatory pathways contributing to bone loss. This potential of prunes as a natural alternative is a significant step forward in the field of bone health research.
“When assessing bone mineral density, we evaluate the quantity of bone, but we’re also interested in the quality,” De Souza noted. “With three-dimensional imaging, we can analyze bone structure, geometry, and micro-architecture, providing a comprehensive picture of bone quality.”
To determine if daily prune consumption affects bone quality, the research team conducted a 12-month randomized controlled trial involving 235 postmenopausal women. Participants were divided into three groups: no prunes; 50 grams, or four to six, prunes daily; or 100 grams, or ten to twelve, prunes daily. They underwent peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) scans every six months, allowing 3D imaging to measure bone mass density, geometry, and strength.
The study revealed that over the year, bone mass density and strength at the tibia decreased in the control group, while those consuming at least four to six prunes daily maintained bone density and strength and preserved bone structure, particularly in cortical bone. Although benefits were observed in both prune groups, the lower dose was more manageable, as participants consuming 100 grams of prunes daily had higher dropout rates due to boredom with the diet.
“It’s an exciting finding from a 12-month study,” remarked De Souza. “We managed to maintain and preserve bone in the weight-bearing cortical bone of the tibia, and maintaining cortical bone and bone strength is crucial for preventing fractures.” This promising result opens the door for further research to explore the potential of prune consumption to reduce osteoporosis risk, as pointed out by De Souza.
More information: Kristen J. Koltun et al, Prunes preserve cortical density and estimated strength of the tibia in a 12-month randomized controlled trial in postmenopausal women: The Prune Study, Osteoporosis International. DOI: 10.1007/s00198-024-07031-6
Journal information: Osteoporosis International Provided by Penn State
