Prunes Can Help Prevent Bone Loss in Postmenopausal Women, Study Suggests

Prunes are dried plums known for their nutritional profile that provides several health benefits. Previous studies show that they are good for the gut as they help increase the frequency of bowel movements and improve stool for people who do not regularly eat fiber.

Researchers from the Pennsylvania State University found that it could also reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which both contribute to bone loss. The team wrote in their study that eating prunes is for the bone health of postmenopausal women, especially those suffering osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis Increase Risk of Breaking Bones

The National Health Service said that osteoporosis is a condition of weakened bones that develops slowly over several years and is often diagnosed when a fall or sudden impact causes a fracture. The most common injuries include a broken wrist, broken hip, and broken spinal bone.

This condition causes the bones to become weak and fragile and increases the risk of breaking them even after minor falls and bumps. Osteoporosis commonly weakens the bone tissue, structure, and strength. Sometimes even a simple cough or sneeze can cause a broken rib or partial collapse of a bone on the spine.

It is not usually painful not until there is a broken bone. But this is not only the first warning sign of the condition. Many older people start to develop the characteristic stooped posture. This happens when the spine has broken, making it difficult to support the weight of the body.

Can Prunes Help Prevent Bone Loss?

A 2017 review analyzed several studies that show a link between prunes and bone health. They found that prunes may have abilities to help protect against bone loss. The team wrote that prunes have higher vitamin K than most fruits, which help improve calcium balance and may be one of the reasons for improved health.

They also discussed a human clinical trial in which findings suggest that prunes are an effective food to prevent and reverse the effects of bone loss in postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Can Prunes Help Prevent Osteoporosis?

In the new study, titled "The Role of Prunes in Modulating Inflammatory Pathways to Improve Bone Health in Postmenopausal Women," published in the journal Advances in Nutrition, researchers analyzed data from 16 preclinical studies in mice models, ten preclinical studies, and two clinical trials.

The clinical trials found that eating 100 grams of prunes or equivalent to 10 pieces each day for a year improved bone density in the forearm and lower spine. More so, eating 50 or 100 grams of prunes a day for six months prevents bone loss compared to those women who do not eat them.

Science Daily reported that this was made possible because of multiple factors and mainly because of the ability of prunes to fight inflammation and oxidative stress that could cause bone loss. Prunes are rich in minerals, phenolic compounds, vitamin K, and dietary fiber.

Researchers also noted that one potential mechanism for the effects is that prunes trigger a change in the gut microbiome to lower inflammation and levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and markers of oxidative damage. The team plans to continue the study and see the effects of prune consumption on bone outcomes, inflammatory pathways, gut microbiota for 12 months.

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