Postmenopausal women who supplement their diet with zinc have stronger bones
06/28/2018 // Ralph Flores // Views

Older women who suffer from low levels of estrogen after menopause may strengthen their bones by adding more zinc in their diet, according to a study in the Journal of Nutrition & Intermediary Metabolism. In the study, researchers from Panjab University and Shobhit University in India, have established that supplementing with zinc at the onset of bone loss can help prevent further deterioration.

This is particularly useful for women, who are at greater risk of bone damage after menopause. In general, people start to lose their bone mass after reaching the age of 35, but after menopause, the process gets worse for women. Osteopenia (or minor bone loss) usually sets in at this age; over time, a woman's bone mineral density will reach a considerable dip, which becomes osteoporosis. People describe osteoporosis as "brittle bones," wherein fractures may develop in simple slips, falls, or even movement.

According to experts, what links the two conditions is possibly the dramatic drop of estrogen. After menopause, women stop ovulating, monthly menstruation stops, and estrogen levels decrease – which scientists believe is tied to the risk of lower bone density.

In the current study, researchers looked at whether adding zinc supplements can affect osteopenia, based on rat models that have been induced with the condition. Earlier studies have concluded that zinc contains a "restorative effect on bone loss under various pathophysiologic conditions including aging, skeletal unloading, aluminum bone toxicity, calcium- and vitamin D-deficiency, adjuvant arthritis, estrogen deficiency, diabetes, and fracture healing." The study goes on to proffer zinc compounds as a potential supplement in preventing and treating osteoporosis.

Brighteon.TV

Researchers selected 48 Wistar rats for two batches of the experiment. They were assigned to be either in the control group or the ones that were given zinc supplements. The other two groups both underwent an ovariectomy, with one given with a zinc sulfate supplement. The rats were treated for eight weeks, and tissue samples were collected afterward for analysis. In particular, the researchers conducted a histoarchitecture analysis on both bones, as well as electron microscopy. The bone calcium content was also analyzed with the aid of an atomic absorption spectrophotometer.

Based on the results, there was an improvement in the bone microarchitecture and adiposity in the bone marrow of the ovariectomized rats compared to those that weren't given supplementation. The calcium content in the sampled bones also improved after zinc supplementation after analysis.

The findings of the study revealed that changes in the bone due to estrogen loss can be addressed by supplementing with zinc. "Zinc is an important constituent of bone tissue and may certainly [associate] with the bone microarchitecture," the researchers concluded. "From this study, we confirm that zinc supplementation, if given at early stages of bone loss, will prevent the bone tissue deterioration."

Getting more zinc in your diet

Of course, zinc isn't just for women after menopause. It also affects immune functions, wound healing, DNA synthesis, and even cell division. It also supports the development of every age group – starting from pregnancy, childhood, and even adolescence. It's also needed so a person can smell and taste properly. (Related: Zinc deficiency during pregnancy causes bone problems in fetus.)

Based on the recommended intake set by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies, a man should get at least 11 mg of zinc a day, while women should have at least 8 mg, with pregnant and lactating mothers needing at least 12 mg.

Oysters have the highest levels of zinc than any other food items at 74.0 mg per serving, but other excellent sources include poultry, beans, nuts, some seafood, and whole grains.

Sources include:

Science.news

ScienceDirect.com

EverydayHealth.com

Link.Springer.com

ODS.OD.NIH.gov



Take Action:
Support Natural News by linking to this article from your website.
Permalink to this article:
Copy
Embed article link:
Copy
Reprinting this article:
Non-commercial use is permitted with credit to NaturalNews.com (including a clickable link).
Please contact us for more information.
Free Email Alerts
Get independent news alerts on natural cures, food lab tests, cannabis medicine, science, robotics, drones, privacy and more.
App Store
Android App
eTrust Pro Certified

This site is part of the Natural News Network © 2022 All Rights Reserved. Privacy | Terms All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Truth Publishing International, LTD. is not responsible for content written by contributing authors. The information on this site is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice of any kind. Truth Publishing assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. Your use of this website indicates your agreement to these terms and those published here. All trademarks, registered trademarks and servicemarks mentioned on this site are the property of their respective owners.

This site uses cookies
Natural News uses cookies to improve your experience on our site. By using this site, you agree to our privacy policy.
Learn More
Close
Get 100% real, uncensored news delivered straight to your inbox
You can unsubscribe at any time. Your email privacy is completely protected.