Eating a Mediterranean diet enriched copiously with olive oil may help prevent osteoporosis, according to a new study. Published in the Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism, the research examining 127 elderly Spanish men found that those on this diet had higher levels of osteocalcin, a protein involved in bone formation.
The discovery could be important, as the loss of bone mass and reduction of bone strength associated with aging play an important role in the development of osteoporosis and fracture risk. This bone-thinning disease is broadly prevalent, afflicting 10 million people in the United States alone. Although it predominantly affects women, men can develop it as well. In fact, out of the estimated osteoporosis-related fractures in 2005, 29 percent occurred in men.
Prior studies reveal multiple health benefits and a possible bone-protective effect.
Research shows that the incidence of osteoporosis is lower in the Mediterranean basin than it is in other parts of Europe, indicating this area’s traditional diet, plentiful in fruits and vegetables, along with a liberal intake of olives and olive oil, might be one of the factors responsible for this benefit.
Earlier studies suggest the Mediterranean diet may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer, as well as enhance weight loss, improve diabetes and alleviate symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Could improved bone health be added to this impressive list? Prior research using animals and test tube experiments indicate a link between olive oil consumption and prevention of osteoporosis, although few studies have explored its effects on humans.
Scientist found an increase in osteocalcin in men who consumed a Mediterranean diet with large amounts of olive oil.
In the study, scientists looked at elderly men without a prior diagnosis of cardiovascular illness but having type 2 diabetes or a minimum of three cardiovascular risk factors. The participants were randomly divided into three groups:
- Mediterranean diet with the addition of a minimum of 50 ml per day of virgin olive oil
- Mediterranean diet augmented with mixed nuts
- low-fat diet
A range of blood tests performed after two years revealed that the only group with a significant increase in osteocalcin was the one consuming the Mediterranean diet augmented with olive oil.
The response of experts to the findings differs.
Researchers involved in the study acknowledge its limitation because it did not measure bone density; however, they assert the results concur with studies showing the consumption of olives and olive oil is linked with the prevention of the loss of bone mass. Dr. David Katz, director of Yale University Prevention Research Center agrees with the researchers’ assessment. He notes that scientists have evidence showing an agent that is good for one aspect of health tends to be beneficial for health in general. Therefore, “The very same Mediterranean diet known to be good for cardiovascular health may also confer benefits on your bones,” he says.
Conversely, other experts responded to the study more cautiously. Dr. Beth Kitchin, a patient educator at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Osteoporosis Clinic, opines that much more research needs to be conducted because the current study did not evaluate bone density or fracture risk. Some nutritionists also failed to enthusiastically embrace the study, pointing out that calcium, vitamin D and exercise all play a role in bone health.
So where does that leave us? While the association between olive oil and a bone-protective effect has not yet been proven, the food is unquestionably beneficial for general health. It certainly would not hurt to incorporate olives and olive oil into the diet.
Sources:
http://ije.oxfordjournals.org/content/41/2/377.extract
http://www.medpagetoday.com/Endocrinology/Osteoporosis/34281
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/08/120815082608.htm
Mary West is a natural health enthusiast, as she believes this area can profoundly enhance wellness. She is the creator of a natural healing website where she focuses on solutions to health problems that work without side effects. You can visit her site and learn more at http://www.alternativemedicinetruth.com. Ms. West is also the author of Fight Cancer Through Powerful Natural Strategies.