Antioxidants for Osteoporosis
Recent research has indicated that in addition to calcium, magnesium and vitamin D, other vital nutrients that play a key role in osteoporosis prevention are antioxidants.
Experts now believe that increased intake of fruit and vegetables and the antioxidants they contain, like vitamins C and E may improve bone health and may reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
A study published in the September 2003 issue of The Journal of Clinical Investigation proposed a new theory of how oestrogen loss causes osteoporosis by concluding that a deficiency of the hormone lowers the antioxidants in osteoclasts (the cells that promote bone absorption), which increases their activity. Researchers, from St George’s Hospital Medical School in London, concluded that the mechanism of oestrogen deficiency in bone loss is that of lowering the antioxidants in osteoclasts which sensitises them to signals that promote bone resorption.
These observations clearly support dietary recommendations for eating more fruit and vegetables (which also make the body more alkaline which is a key factor in prevention of osteoporosis – see my book ‘Osteoporosis – the silent epidemic’) and while the findings need to be confirmed by larger longitudinal studies which are currently underway, they do highlight the potential of a diet rich in fruits and vegetables to modify the risk of osteoporosis.
They also suggest that taking antioxidants may reduce the risk of osteoporosis when a woman approaches the menopause, one of the primary health concerns associated with this stage in a woman’s life.
The implication is not only that bone loss may be prevented but that it may also be treated with antioxidants. While further research is needed, it’s a significant breakthrough in Western medicine. Indeed, boneset — a plant believed to be high in antioxidants — has been used by Native American peoples for centuries to treat and speed the healing of broken bones. The growing friendship between natural medicine and Western science just may produce treatment options in the coming years we never would have thought possible. (A good antioxidant ‘mix’ I use in the clinic is Nutriguard Plus).