Abstract
Mechanical, microstructural properties, mineral content and bone mineral density (BMD) of the femur were evaluated in growing rats fed with Opuntia ficus indica (L.) Mill. (Cactaceae) cladodes at different maturity stages as calcium source. Male weanling rats were fed with cladodes at early maturity stage (25 and 60 days of age, belonging to groups N-60 and N-200, respectively) and cladodes at late maturity stage (100 and 135 days of age, belonging to groups N-400 and N-600, respectively) for 6 weeks. Additionally, a control group fed with calcium carbonate as calcium source was included for comparative purposes. All diets were fitted to the same calcium content (5 g/kg diet). The failure load of femurs was significantly lower (p ≤ 0.05) in groups N-60 and N-200 in comparison to N-400, N-600 and control groups. The cortical width (Ct.Wi) and trabecular thickness (Tb.Th) of the femurs in control and N-600 groups were significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) than Ct.Wi and Tb.Th of femurs in groups N-60 and N-200. Trabecular separation of the femurs in N-60 and N-200 groups showed the highest values compared with all experimental groups. The highest calcium content in the femurs were observed in control, N-600 and N-400 groups; whereas the lowest phosphorus content in the bones were detected in N-200, N-600 and N-400 groups. Finally, the BMD in all experimental groups increased with age; nevertheless, the highest values were observed in N-600 and control groups during pubertal and adolescence stages. The results derived from this research demonstrate, for the first time, that the calcium found in Opuntia ficus indica cladodes is actually bioavailable and capable of improving mineral density and mechanical and microstructural properties of the bones. These findings suggest that the consumption of cladodes at late maturity stage within the diet might have a beneficial impact on bone health.
Highlights
For several years, populations of developing countries including Mexico and Latin America have been undergoing changes in dietary habits [1]
On the other hand, concerning potassium, this study showed that different K content in diets containing O. ficus indica affected content of this mineral within the bones of experimental groups; the K consumption in diets was not correlated with the K content in femurs
The results in this study show evidence that O. ficus indica at different maturity stages have different effects on bone properties of rats in growing stage
Summary
Populations of developing countries including Mexico and Latin America have been undergoing changes in dietary habits [1]. The nutrition transition comprising changes in food patterns and dietary intake is linked to increased energy-dense sources, such as sugars, edible oils, and processed foods, whereas consumption of complex carbohydrates, fiber, and micronutrient-rich foods including fruits and vegetables is often low. These facts, coupled with reduced physical activity, increase obesity, bone density problems and the risk of non-communicable chronic diseases among the population [2,3]. In Mexico and Central America the major calcium supplies within the diet are nixtamalized corn products (foodstuffs derived from the thermo-alkaline treatment of corn grains) and vegetables as a result of their low cost compared with animal products [7]
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