As we age, our bones lose density and become more fragile, putting us at risk of fractures. This phenomenon is of particular concern in postmenopausal women, whose loss of bone density is generally greater than that of men of the same age.
A study on mice showed that blackcurrant supplements help prevent loss of bone density after menopause. According to this work carried out by researchers at the University of Connecticut, the best time to intervene would be the transition between pre-menopause and post-menopause, before bone loss has progressed significantly.
The same team therefore wanted to see if these results could be applied to a human population.
The protective effects of blackcurrant against loss of bone density
This new study appeared in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry. It involved a group of 40 menopausal or perimenopausal women aged 45 to 60, who were randomly divided into several groups: for six months, they took one capsule, two capsules or a placebo, each capsule containing 392 milligrams blackcurrant.
Researchers found that the supplements prevented the loss of whole-body bone mineral density. The group that took two capsules even showed an overall increase in bone mineral density at the end of the six-month period.
Reduction of inflammation and microbiota
Blackcurrant extracts are said to act as protective agents against bone loss. This mechanism could be linked to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of certain compounds, anthocyanins, which reduce the inflammatory processes that contribute to osteoporosis.
A recipe: Blackcurrant crumble
But researchers were also interested in the microbiota, known to influence inflammation in the body. Taking the supplements increased the presence of bacteria, Ruminococcus 2. For researchers, it could be part of the bacteria responsible for the protective effects of blackcurrant on bones. “Everything is linked, and there is a lot of research showing that the gut can regulate different systems in the body”explains Briana Nosal, main author of this research, in a press release.
The researchers emphasize the importance of this discovery, as current treatments for osteoporosis can have unwanted side effects. Blackcurrant extracts could thus offer a natural complementary approach, with less risk of side effects. “This study shows that blackcurrant may be a potential dietary strategy to help prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis”concludes Briana Nosal.
Diet that protects bones
To keep bones dense and limit the risk of fractures, certain foods should be included on the plate more often than others… and these are not dairy products! Fruits, vegetables, fatty fish are generally recommended.
Read: Foods that prevent osteoporosis
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