A new study published in the June issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has found increasing evidence that higher fruit and vegetable intakes may have positive effects on bone mineral status in both younger and older age groups. Although many studies have been conducted in the past, most of the studies to date were conducted in adults, and few reports included adolescents.

In adolescent boys and girls and older women, significant positive associations were observed between spine size-adjusted bone mineral content (SA-BMC) and fruit intake.

The researchers concluded that the specific mechanisms remain to be ascertained, but vitamin C, other fruit-specific antioxidants, and lifestyle may play a role.

 Prynne CJ, Mishra GD, O'Connell MA et al: Fruit and vegetable intakes and bone mineral status: a cross-sectional study in 5 age and sex cohorts. A J Clin Nutr 2006 83 (6):1420-1428

Posted July 06