In addition to existing drug therapies, certain lifestyle and nutritional factors are known to reduce the risk of osteoporosis[i].
The benefits of prune consumption for osteoporosis and their role in total body bone mineral density (BMD) loss have been supported by scientific research in both animal studies and clinical trials.
Prunes are high in fiber, vitamin K, which contributes to the maintenance of normal bones, and potassium, which contributes to normal muscle function. Prunes are also a source of copper, which contributes to maintenance of normal connective tissues[ii],[iii],[iv].
Research in prunes has increased beginning with studies of their potential in restoring bone and preventing bone loss in animal models of osteoporosis[v]. Some animal studies suggest that fruit consumption with antioxidant content may have a pronounced effect on bone health, as shown by higher bone mass, trabecular bone (a.k.a. spongy bone) volume, number and thickness, and lower trabecular separation (which puts the person at risk of osteoporosis) by enhancing bone formation, suppressing bone resorption and increasing bone strength. The bone protection effects seem to be mediated via antioxidant or anti-inflammatory pathways leading to osteoblast mineralization and osteoclast inactivation[vi].
According to a randomized controlled trial published last year, prune (dried plum) consumption may prevent the loss of total body BMD in older osteopenic postmenopausal women. Forty-eight osteopenic (bone mineral density is lower than normal but not low enough to be classified as osteoporosis) women (65-79 years old) were randomly assigned into one of three treatment groups for six months: 50 g of prunes, 100 g of prunes or a control group. All groups were supplemented with calcium and vitamin D. Total body, hip, and lumbar bone mineral density were evaluated at baseline and six months after using DEXA. In addition, several markers of bone metabolism were determined during the trial. Data revealed that both prune groups were able to prevent the loss of total body bone mineral density when compared to the control group[vii]. This effect has been explained in part to the ability of prunes to inhibit bone reabsorption. The study’s results support previous data on the role that prunes may play in bone health, especially in older postmenopausal women[viii],[ix].
[i] Zhu K, Prince RL. Lifestyle and osteoporosis. Curr Osteoporos Rep. 2015 Feb;13(1):52-9.
[ii] USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference (Release 28, released September 2015, slightly revised May 2016).
[iii] Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 on nutrition and health claims made on foods: http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:32006R1924&from=en
[iv] Commission Regulation (EC) No 432/2012 of 16 May 2012 establishing a list of permitted health claims made on foods, other than those referring to the reduction of disease risk and to children’s development and health:
[v] Franklin M, Bu SY, Lerner MR, Lancaster EA et al. Dried plum prevents bone loss in a male osteoporosis model via IGF-I and the RANK pathway. Bone. 2006 ;39(6):1331-42.
[vi] Shen CL, von Bergen V, Chyu MC. Fruits and dietary phytochemicals in bone protection. Nutr Res. 2012;32(12):897-910.
[vii] Hooshmand, S, Kern, M, Metti, D et al. The effect of two doses of dried plum on bone density and bone biomarkers in osteopenic postmenopausal women: a randomized, controlled trial. Osteoporosis International. 2016;1-9.
[viii] Hooshmand, S., Brisco, J. R., & Arjmandi, B. H. (2014). The effect of dried plum on serum levels of receptor activator of NF-κB ligand, osteoprotegerin and sclerostin in osteopenic postmenopausal women: a randomised controlled trial. British Journal of Nutrition, 112(01), 55-60.
[ix] Rendina E, Hembree KD, Davis MR et al. Dried plum’s unique capacity to reverse bone loss and alter bone metabolism in postmenopausal osteoporosis model. PloS one. 2013;8(3):e60569.
[ix] Rendina E, Hembree KD, Davis MR et al. Dried plum’s unique capacity to reverse bone loss and alter bone metabolism in postmenopausal osteoporosis model. PloS one. 2013;8(3):e60569.