Abstract
Osteoporosis is a major health concern in aging populations, where 54% of the U.S. population aged 50 and older have low bone mineral density (BMD). Increases in inflammation and oxidative stress play a major role in the development of osteoporosis. Men are at a greater risk of mortality due to osteoporosis-related fractures. Our earlier findings in rodent male and female models of osteoporosis, as well as postmenopausal women strongly suggest the efficacy of prunes (dried plum) in reducing inflammation and preventing/reversing bone loss. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of two doses of prunes, daily, on biomarkers of inflammation and bone metabolism in men with some degree of bone loss (BMD; t-score between −0.1 and −2.5 SD), for three months. Thirty-five men between the ages of 55 and 80 years were randomized into one of three groups: 100 g prunes, 50 g prunes, or control. Consumption of 100 g prunes led to a significant decrease in serum osteocalcin (p < 0.001). Consumption of 50 g prunes led to significant decreases in serum osteoprotegerin (OPG) (p = 0.003) and serum osteocalcin (p = 0.040), and an increase in the OPG:RANKL ratio (p = 0.041). Regular consumption of either 100 g or 50 g prunes for three months may positively affect bone turnover.
Highlights
Osteoporosis has significant public health importance for both women and men
The findings of this study indicate that the short-term effects of daily prune consumption are minimal on inflammation and biomarkers of bone metabolism in men with mild bone loss
Though the aim of this study was to examine whether similar effects could be seen in men, the results of this study indicate that after three months of regular consumption, prunes have a minimal effect on levels of inflammation, though modest improvements were seen in some bone biomarkers
Summary
Osteoporosis has significant public health importance for both women and men. It is estimated that 53.6 million adults have osteoporosis and low bone mineral density (BMD), representing approximately 54% of the adult population aged 50 years and older in the United States (U.S.) [1,2,3]. It is known that inflammation alters bone remodeling, resulting in bone loss [5,6,7,8]. With time, this continual loss of bone may lead to impairments in the ability to perform everyday tasks, as well as an increased risk of falls and fractures [8,9]. There has been previous work that provides evidence for the effectiveness of prunes in preventing and reversing bone loss and inflammation in postmenopausal women, there is a lack of such studies in men
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