Another reason to eat fruits and vegetables-bone loss.

Women tend to have a significant and rapid loss of bone mass around menopause. Most research in this area has centered on the roles of calcium and vitamin D in reducing bone loss. A new study suggests that fruit and vegetable intake may protect somewhat against bone loss. The study examined 891 women aged 45-55 years at the start of the study and 50-59 years at follow-up. The women's bone density was measured at both study periods, and they were asked about their diets. As you might expect, a higher calcium intake was associated with less bone loss. Women whose diets were low in calcium experienced a greater bone loss if their diets were also high in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. This may be because of the overall pattern of the women's diets or because fat intake influenced bone health. For women who had not yet started menopause, calcium and nutrients found in fruits and vegetables (vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium) were associated with protection against bone loss. The bottom line: adequate calcium, fruits, and vegetables are important for bone health in the years around menopause.

Macdonald HM, New SA, Golden MHN, et al. 2004. Nutritional associations with bone loss during the menopausal transition: evidence of a beneficial effect of calcium, alcohol, and fruit and vegetable nutrients and of a detrimental effect of fatty acids. Am J Clin Nutr 79:155-65.