Dried Plums for Osteoporosis
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores whether eating dried plums can improve bone health in postmenopausal women. By examining different daily quantities of dried plums, the researchers aim to determine their effect on bone strength and density. Participants will either consume dried plums or take calcium and vitamin D supplements for a year. Postmenopausal women with low bone density who are willing to eat dried plums daily may be suitable for this study. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to research that could enhance bone health for many women.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial requires you to stop taking certain medications that affect bone metabolism, such as bisphosphonates, denosumab, and others, for specific periods before joining. You also need to stop taking natural dietary supplements containing phenolics, blueberries, or apples for at least 2 months before the study.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research shows that postmenopausal women can safely eat dried plums. Studies have found that consuming dried plums daily is not only safe but may also enhance bone health in these women. Specifically, research involving amounts between 50 to 100 grams per day over six to twelve months revealed no serious safety concerns. This indicates that dried plums are well-tolerated and could be a beneficial choice for those seeking to support their bone health naturally.12345
Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Unlike the standard treatments for osteoporosis, which often include medications like bisphosphonates or hormone-related therapies, these investigational treatments use dried plums as a natural alternative. Researchers are excited because dried plums are packed with nutrients like potassium and vitamin K, which might help improve bone density. This approach offers a potential dietary solution with fewer side effects than traditional drugs. By incorporating either 50g or 100g of dried plums daily, alongside calcium and vitamin D supplements, this treatment could provide a tasty and accessible way to boost bone health.
What evidence suggests that dried plums might be an effective treatment for osteoporosis?
Research shows that dried plums, or prunes, can benefit bone health in postmenopausal women. In this trial, participants will be divided into groups to assess the effects of dried plums on bone health. One group will consume 50 grams of dried plums daily, while another will consume 100 grams daily. Studies have found that eating 50 grams of prunes daily can help prevent bone density loss in the hip, with benefits lasting up to a year. Other research indicates that consuming 50 to 100 grams of prunes daily can support bone health over 6 to 12 months. Tests on animals and cells suggest that prunes may help by boosting bone growth and slowing bone loss. Overall, these findings suggest that regularly eating prunes might help maintain strong and healthy bones.14567
Who Is on the Research Team?
Mary Jane De Souza, PhD
Principal Investigator
The Pennsylvania State University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for postmenopausal women with low bone mineral density but not severe obesity or significant health issues like heart disease, kidney problems, or untreated thyroid conditions. Participants should be non-smokers, able to walk, and willing to eat dried plums daily without taking other natural dietary supplements.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Baseline
Participants undergo baseline assessments before randomization
Treatment
Participants consume dried plums and calcium/vitamin D supplements for 52 weeks with regular laboratory visits
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Dried Plum
Trial Overview
The study tests the effects of eating different amounts of dried plums for a year on bone strength in postmenopausal women. It will measure changes in bone density and investigate how compounds from the plums might affect bone metabolism.
How Is the Trial Designed?
3
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Participants will take calcium and vitamin D supplements for the duration of the baseline and intervention. Participants will be asked to refrain from consumption of dried plums for the duration of the intervention (52 weeks).
Participants will take calcium and vitamin D supplements for the duration of the baseline and intervention. Additionally, participants will be provided with dried plums and asked to consume 6 (50g) dried plums per day for the duration of the intervention (52 weeks).
Participants will take calcium and vitamin D supplements for the duration of the baseline and intervention. Additionally, participants will be provided with dried plums and asked to consume 12 (100g) dried plums per day for the duration of the intervention (52 weeks).
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Penn State University
Lead Sponsor
California Dried Plum Board
Collaborator
Citations
Dried Plums, Prunes and Bone Health: A Comprehensive ...
Animal and cell studies suggest that dried plums and/or their extracts enhance bone formation and inhibit bone resorption through their actions ...
Prunes preserve hip bone mineral density in a 12-month ...
A 50-g daily dose of prunes can prevent loss of total hip BMD in postmenopausal women after 6 mo, which persisted for 12 mo.
The Role of Prunes in Modulating Inflammatory Pathways ...
Two clinical trials have investigated the impact of dried plum consumption (50–100 g/d for 6–12 mo) on bone health in postmenopausal women and demonstrated ...
4.
psu.edu
psu.edu/news/research/story/got-prunes-prunes-may-preserve-bone-density-and-strength-older-womenGot prunes? Prunes may preserve bone density and ...
Eating prunes daily may protect bone structure and strength in postmenopausal women, slowing the progression of age-related bone loss and reducing the risk of ...
Study: Prunes Protect Bone Structure and Strength
A new study found that eating four to 12 prunes per day helps maintain bone density and bone strength in post-menopausal women.
Prunes for Osteoporosis, Osteopenia, and Bone Health
Research demonstrates that daily consumption of prunes is beneficial for post-menopausal women with osteoporosis.
Dried Plums, Prunes and Bone Health - PubMed Central - NIH
This comprehensive review supports that consumption of dried plums is safe and may be a bone healthy option for postmenopausal women wishing to ...
Other People Viewed
By Subject
By Trial
Related Searches
Unbiased Results
We believe in providing patients with all the options.
Your Data Stays Your Data
We only share your information with the clinical trials you're trying to access.
Verified Trials Only
All of our trials are run by licensed doctors, researchers, and healthcare companies.