Osteoporosis is a diffuse disease of the skeleton characterized by a decrease in bone density. Researchers recommend that elderly people who suffer from it to adopt the Mediterranean diet, already plebiscite thanks to its many benefits, to slow this condition especially at the level of the hip.
For his significant contribution in fruits and vegetables, nuts, legumes, whole grains and olive oil, and moderate intake of fish, poultry and dairy products, the Mediterranean diet is presented as one of the most beneficial for health supplies .
Many studies attribute to it benefits to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease or diabetes. Researchers at the University of East Anglia say in a recent study that it may also reduce bone loss in people with osteoporosis. And this in just 12 months according to this first European clinical trial conducted in the long term.
For this study, more than 1,000 people aged between 65 and 79 were randomly divided into two groups: one followed a Mediterranean diet and the other did not follow it. The bone density of each participant was measured at baseline and after 12 months of study. The results showed that this type of diet had no discernible impact on participants with normal bone density, but had an effect on people with osteoporosis. Specifically, controls showed a decrease in bone density but those in the other group benefited from an equivalent increase in bone density at the femoral neck.
Less risk of hip fractures
"It's a sensitive place because bone loss in the femoral neck is often the cause of hip fractures, which is common in older people with osteoporosis. The bone takes a long time to form, so the 12-month study, although one of the longest to date, was still a relatively short period to show impact. The fact that we could see a marked difference between the groups, even in this one area alone, is significant, "says Pr. Susan Fairweather-Tait, lead author of the study. Those who followed the Mediterranean diet had to increase their consumption of fruits, vegetables, nuts, unrefined grains, olive oil and fish.
Conversely, they have been asked to consume small amounts of dairy products and meat and to consume alcohol moderately for one year. These participants also received a vitamin D supplement to balance the effects of different levels of light on this rate between the different countries of the participants (Italy, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Poland, France). "Those who suffer from osteoporosis lose bone at a much faster rate than others, so we are more likely to experience changes in these volunteers compared to those who lose bone more slowly, as all world with age, "say the researchers in a statement.
Anyone can adopt this diet
The researchers would now like to conduct an ideally longer trial, only in patients with osteoporosis, to confirm the results in a larger group and see if the impact can be seen on other parts of the body. If this disease can indeed be alleviated by the diet, it would be a welcome addition to current drugs that can have serious side effects. But while waiting to confirm this beneficial link, the researchers believe that there is no reason why people who are concerned about a decrease in their bone density do not intend to adapt their diet to stick closer to the Mediterranean diet.
"It has been proven that a Mediterranean diet has other health benefits, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's and cancer. So, there is no problem in adopting such a diet, whether you have osteoporosis or not, "says Fairweather-Tait. According to Inserm, around the age of 65, it is estimated that 39% of women suffer from osteoporosis. Among those aged 80 and over, this proportion rises to 70%. In addition to diet, physical activity also helps to reduce the loss of bone density. "In the elderly, it goes more, maintain the musculature and balance, reducing the risk of fracture," he says.
0 comments:
Post a Comment