No bones about it: Eat your fruits and veggies

Increasing consumption levels of fruits and vegetables may increase bone-density in all ages, according to a study published in the July issue of Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

The study looked at fruit-and-vegetable consumption levels compared with bone-mineral density in adolescent girls and boys; women in their 20’s; and men and women between ages 60 and 83.

Greater intakes of fruit correlated with bone-mineral concentrations in the spine in adolescent boys and girls and older women, whereas intakes of fruit and vegetables improved bone concentrations in the femoral neck in adolescent boys. Overall, the study authors said that eating larger quantities of fruit and vegetables may contribute to improved bone health in all populations.

Researchers also discovered that only one half the older participants consumed the recommended amount of fruit and vegetables of 400g/day.

Osteoporosis occurs in over 10 million Americans and leads to annual costs that exceed $18 billion per year, according to the study.

Researchers suggest increasing fruit and vegetables in the diet as a means of decreasing the risk of osteoporosis and its attendant health costs.