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According to a new study, one berry in particular could reduce bone loss in postmenopausal women, often at risk of osteoporosis. A natural way to protect yourself.
As we age, bones lose density (especially in women) and become more fragile. This phenomenon called osteoporosis affects 39% of women after the age of 65. Today, a new study reveals that a fruit could help fight against loss of bone density.
Blackcurrant increases mineral density
A study conducted on mice showed that blackcurrant supplements helped prevent loss of bone density after menopause. Building on this discovery, researchers from the University of Connecticut wanted to verify this result on a group of 40 menopausal or perimenopausal women aged 45 to 60. These women were divided into several groups and taken for six months, one capsule of 392 milligrams of blackcurrant, two capsules or a placebo.
Results ? The supplementation works: the group that took two capsules even showed an overall increase in bone mineral density at the end of the six-month period.
Why is this fruit good for you?
Blackcurrant extracts act as agents protecting you against bone loss. For what ? Researchers indicate that this mechanism could be linked to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of certain compounds called anthocyanins, which reduce the processes that lead to osteoporosis.
They discovered that blackcurrant supplements decreased levels of proteins called interleukin-1 beta and RANKL. Interleukin-1 beta stimulates the expression of RANKL, which causes bone resorption and therefore a decrease in bone density. And the decrease in RANKL was found to directly correlate with an increase in whole-body bone density after six months.
But that’s not all. In this study, the researchers were also interested in the microbiota, which also plays a role in the phenomenon of inflammation. Blackcurrant extracts appear to have increased the presence of a bacteria called Ruminococcus 2. And according to researchers, it could be one of the bacteria responsible for the protective effects of blackcurrant on bones.
“Everything is connected, and there is a lot of research showing that the gut can regulate various systems in the body,” explains Briana Nosal, first author of the article in a press release.
“These bacteria contribute to the breakdown of polysaccharides and fibers. This is an essential function for transforming the food we eat into energy available for our body.” specify the scientists.
A simple solution to implement
According to the researchers, this study is particularly important for women in perimenopause or early menopause who have or are at risk of developing osteoporosis. Although there are medications for osteoporosis, compliance is low due to side effects. If black currant supplements can improve bone density without the same side effects, it could prove to be an effective alternative for this population.
“This study shows that blackcurrant may be a potential dietary strategy to help prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis”continues Briana Nosal.
To be supplemented with dairy products, fruits and vegetables and fatty fish as recommended to fight osteoporosis.
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