Effect of green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus) supplementation on faecal microbiota, body composition and iron status markers in overweight and obese postmenopausal women: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

The present study aimed to determine the effect of whole meat GSM powder on gut microbiota abundance, body composition and iron status markers in healthy overweight or obese postmenopausal women. This was a 3-months trial involving forty-nine healthy postmenopausal women with body mass index (BMI) between 25 and 35 kg/m2 who were randomly assigned to receive 3 g/d of either GSM powder (n 25) or placebo (n 24). The gut microbe abundance, serum iron status markers and body composition were measured at the baseline and the end of the study. The between-group comparison at the baseline showed a lower abundance of Bacteroides and Clostridium XIVa in the GSM group compared with the placebo (P = 0⋅04). At the baseline, the body fat (BF)% and gynoid fat% were higher in the GSM group compared with the placebo (P < 0⋅05). No significant changes were found in any of the outcome measures, except for ferritin levels that showed a significant reduction over time (time effect P = 0⋅01). Some trend was observed in bacteria including Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium which tended to increase in the GSM group while their abundance decreased or remained at their baseline level in the control group. Supplementation with GSM powder did not result in any significant changes in gut microbe abundance, body composition and iron markers compared with placebo. However, some commensal bacteria such as Bacteroides and Bifidobacteria tended to increase following supplementation with GSM powder. Overall, these findings can expand the knowledge surrounding the effects of whole GSM powder on these outcome measures in healthy postmenopausal women.

The Influence of Obesity, Ovariectomy, and Greenshell Mussel Supplementation on Bone Mineral Density in Rats.

Obesity is considered to impair long-term health by disturbing multiple physiological functions. However, it remains a controversial issue as to whether obesity has beneficial or detrimental effects on bone health in postmenopausal women. The aims of this study were to investigate the relationships between obesity and bone mineral density (BMD) under conditions of ovarian hormone deficiency in an animal model and to evaluate the potential health benefits of Greenshell mussel (GSM) on bone health. A total of 144 adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were fed from age 12 weeks on one of four diets (normal [ND]; ND + GSM; high fat/high sugar [HF/HS]; HF/HS + GSM; n = 36 per diet). At age 20 weeks, after a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan, 12 of the rats on each diet underwent ovariectomy (OVX) and the remaining rats were left intact. Twelve of the intact rats in each diet group were culled at age 26 weeks (short-term cohort). The remaining rats were culled at age 48 weeks (long-term cohort). Rats were DXA scanned before cull, then various fat pads were dissected. The results revealed that HF/HS rats and OVX rats dramatically increased body weight and fat deposition in correlation with leptin. In the long-term cohort, vertebral spine BMD rapidly declined after OVX. At termination, the OVX rats had decreased plasma bone turnover markers of CTX-1 and TRAP when compared with sham rats. Significantly higher BMD was found in OVX rats fed the HF/HS diet compared with ND, but this difference was not recapitulated in intact rats. BMD of right femur was significantly increased 5% to 10% by GSM in the short-term cohort. The data demonstrated that obesity can be beneficial by increasing BMD in OVX rats, and this may extrapolate to postmenopausal women as adipocyte-produced estrogen may slightly compensate for the reduction in ovarian hormones. Finally, the data showed that GSM may be beneficial to bone health by increasing BMD accrual. © 2021 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Modulation of Bone and Joint Biomarkers, Gut Microbiota, and Inflammation Status by Synbiotic Supplementation and Weight-Bearing Exercise: Human Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: There is strong evidence suggesting that prebiotics and probiotics regulate gut microbiota, reducing inflammation and thereby potentially improving bone health status. Similarly, mechanistic evidence suggests that either low-impact or high-impact weight-bearing exercises improve body composition and consequently increase bone mineral density in individuals with osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the effects of a synbiotic (probiotic+prebiotic) supplementation, an exercise intervention, or a combination of both on gut microbiota, inflammation, and bone biomarkers in postmenopausal women. METHODS: A total of 160 postmenopausal women from New Zealand will be recruited and randomized to one of four interventions or treatments for 12 weeks: control, synbiotic supplementation, exercise intervention, or synbiotic supplementation and exercise. The primary outcome measure is the bone and joint biomarkers at baseline and week 12, whereas the gut microbiota profile and inflammatory cytokine measurements will serve as the secondary outcome measures at baseline and week 12. Baseline data and exercise history will be used to assess, allocate, and stratify participants into treatment measures. RESULTS: Recruitment of participants will begin in September 2021, and the anticipated completion date is June 2022. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this will be the first randomized controlled trial to analyze the effects of both a synbiotic supplement and an exercise intervention in postmenopausal women. On the basis of the results obtained, a combination of synbiotic supplements and exercise might serve as a noninvasive approach to manage and/or improve body composition and bone health in postmenopausal women. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12620000998943p; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=380336&isClinicalTrial=False.

Green-lipped (greenshell™) mussel (Perna canaliculus) extract supplementation in treatment of osteoarthritis: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: Intervention studies using New Zealand green-lipped or greenshell™ mussel (GSM) (Perna canaliculus) extract in osteoarthritis (OA) patients have shown effective pain relief. This systematic review summarises the efficacy of GSM extracts in the treatment of OA. METHODS: A literature search of the three databases EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Scopus was performed to identify relevant articles published up to March 2020. Inclusion criteria were clinical trials published in English measuring the effect of supplementation of whole or a lipid extract from GSM on pain and mobility outcomes in OA patients. RESULTS: A total of nine clinical trials were included in systematic review, from which five studies were considered appropriate for inclusion in a forest plot. Pooled results showed that GSM extracts (lipid extract or whole powder) provide moderate and clinically significant treatment effects on a visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score (effect size: - 0.46; 95% CI - 0.82 to - 0.10; p = 0.01). The whole GSM extract improved gastrointestinal symptoms in OA patients taking anti-inflammatory medications. The GSM extract was considered to be generally well tolerated in most of the studies. CONCLUSION: The overall analysis showed that GSM provided moderate and clinically meaningful treatment effects on OA pain. However, the current evidence is limited by the number and quality of studies, and further larger and high-quality studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness and to identify the optimal GSM format. Nevertheless, it is worth considering using GSM extracts especially for patients seeking alternative pain relief treatments with fewer side effects compared to conventional treatment.

Folate and Vitamin B-12 Status Is Associated With Bone Mineral Density and Hip Strength of Postmenopausal Chinese-Singaporean Women.

The role of micronutrients such as folate and vitamin B-12 in bone quality has been widely studied with conflicting results. Ethnicity seems to play a large role on nutrient intake, as diet varies across cultures. In this study, we examined the relationships of BMD, proximal femur strength, and bone resorption with plasma folate and vitamin B-12 in a cohort of 93 healthy postmenopausal women of Chinese-Singaporean descent. The parameters examined were areal (aBMD) and volumetric BMD (vBMD) of the proximal femur and the third lumbar vertebra (L3), total body aBMD, proximal femur bending, compressive and impact strength indices (composite strength indices) and circulating levels of C-telopeptide of type I collagen. Eighteen participants (19.4%) had aBMD in the osteoporotic range (osteoporosis group), 59 (63.4%) in the osteopenic range (osteopenia group), and the remaining 16 (17.2%) in the normal range (normal BMD group). Circulating folate levels were significantly higher in the normal BMD group compared with the osteoporosis group. Using linear regression analysis, we found that overall, aBMD and vBMD are positively associated with folate concentrations, whereas composite strength indices were positively associated with vitamin B-12 concentrations. These findings support the existing literature and suggest a link between levels of circulating folate/vitamin B-12 and BMD/bone strength in the cohort examined. Further investigation is needed to examine if individuals with inadequate circulating levels of these nutrients could decrease their risk for fragility fractures through better nutrition or vitamin supplementation. © 2020 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research © 2020 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

The Role of Milk Components, Pro-, Pre-, and Synbiotic Foods in Calcium Absorption and Bone Health Maintenance.

Increasing peak bone mass during adolescence and reducing bone loss in later life are two approaches to reduce the risk of osteoporosis with aging. Osteoporosis affects a large proportion of the elderly population worldwide and the incidence is increasing. Milk consumption is an accepted strategy in building peak bone mass and therefore may reduce the risk of osteoporosis. In childhood calcium, phosphorous, and growth factors are the important components to support bone growth but in adults the positive influence on bone density/maintenance may also be due to other bioactive proteins/peptides or lipids in milk acting directly in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Lactose has been known to increase calcium absorption; galactooligosaccharides (GOS) are derived from lactose and are non-digestible oligosaccharides. They have been shown to improve mineral balance and bone properties as well as causing increases in bifidobacteria in the gut, therefore a prebiotic effect. Supplementation with fortified milk and dairy products with added prebiotics, increased both calcium and magnesium absorption and caused some modulation of gut microbiota in animals and humans. Fermented milk is now also recognized to contain highly active components such as vitamins, peptides, oligosaccharides, and organic acids. In this review, the role of milk and milk components in improving calcium absorption and thereby supporting bone health is discussed. In addition, some reference is made to the significance of combining the inherent beneficial components from milk with fortificants/nutrients that will support bone health through adulthood. Novel data suggesting differences in diversity of the microbiota between healthy and osteoporotic women are provided.

Potential Role of Lycopene in the Prevention of Postmenopausal Bone Loss: Evidence from Molecular to Clinical Studies.

Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disease characterized by reduced bone mineral density, which affects the quality of life of the aging population. Furthermore, disruption of bone microarchitecture and the alteration of non-collagenous protein in bones lead to higher fracture risk. This is most common in postmenopausal women. Certain medications are being used for the treatment of osteoporosis; however, these may be accompanied by undesirable side effects. Phytochemicals from fruits and vegetables are a source of micronutrients for the maintenance of bone health. Among them, lycopene has recently been shown to have a potential protective effect against bone loss. Lycopene is a lipid-soluble carotenoid that exists in both all-trans and cis-configurations in nature. Tomato and tomato products are rich sources of lycopene. Several human epidemiological studies, supplemented by in vivo and in vitro studies, have shown decreased bone loss following the consumption of lycopene/tomato. However, there are still limited studies that have evaluated the effect of lycopene on the prevention of bone loss in postmenopausal women. Therefore, the aim of this review is to summarize the relevant literature on the potential impact of lycopene on postmenopausal bone loss with molecular and clinical evidence, including an overview of bone biology and the pathophysiology of osteoporosis.

Inflammation (IL-1ß) Modifies the Effect of Vitamin D and Omega-3 Long Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Core Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder-An Exploratory Pilot Study‡.

BACKGROUND: The role of vitamin D and omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 LCPUFA) in improving core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children has been investigated by a few randomised controlled trials and the results are mixed and inconclusive. The response to treatment with these nutrients is heterogenous and may be influenced by inflammatory state. As an exploratory analysis, we investigated whether inflammatory state would modulate the effect of these nutrients on core symptoms of ASD. Methods: Seventy-three New Zealand children with ASD (2.5-8.0 years) completed a 12-month randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of vitamin D (VID, 2000 IU/day), omega-3 LCPUFA; (OM, 722 mg/day docosahexaenoic acid), or both (VIDOM). Non-fasting baseline plasma interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) was available for 67 children (VID = 15, OM = 21, VIDOM = 15, placebo = 16). Children were categorised as having undetectable/normal IL-1ß (<3.2 pg/ml, n=15) or elevated IL-1ß (≥3.2 pg/mL, n = 52). The Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) questionnaire was used to assess core symptoms of ASD (baseline, 12-month). Mixed model repeated measure analyses (including all children or only children with elevated IL-1ß) were used. RESULTS: We found evidence for an interaction between baseline IL-1ß and treatment response for SRS-total, SRS-social communicative functioning, SRS-awareness and SRS-communication (all Pinteraction < 0.10). When all children were included in the analysis, two outcome comparisons (treatments vs. placebo) showed greater improvements: VID, no effect (all P > 0.10); OM and VIDOM (P = 0.01) for SRS-awareness. When only children with elevated IL-1ß were included, five outcomes showed greater improvements: OM (P = 0.01) for SRS-total; OM (P = 0.03) for SRS-social communicative functioning; VID (P = 0.01), OM (P = 0.003) and VIDOM (P = 0.01) for SRS-awareness. CONCLUSION: Inflammatory state may have modulated responses to vitamin D and omega-3 LCPUFA intervention in children with ASD, suggesting children with elevated inflammation may benefit more from daily vitamin D and omega-3 LCPUFA supplementation.

Fracture risk factors among children living in New Zealand.

Factures are common during childhood. There are limited data available regarding relationships between bone fracture history and calcium intake, sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs) intake, vitamin D status, physical activity (PA), ethnicity, and body composition in New Zealand (NZ) children. Identifying groups of NZ children at risk of fracture and associated predictors may help to improve bone quality during childhood and decrease the risk of fractures throughout life. The aim of this study was to investigate fracture history and associated risk factors in New Zealand children. Children aged 8-12 years were recruited. Capillary blood spots collected from a finger prick were as analyzed for 25(OH)D concentrations. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (InBody720, Seoul, Korea) was used to measure body fat percentage (%BF). Information about fracture history, siblings' history of fractures, family osteoporosis history, PA, ethnicity, and intake of calcium containing foods, and SSBs was collected using questionnaires. Children (n = 647, 354 girls), mean ± SD age 9.8 ± 0.7 years were recruited from six Auckland primary schools. NZ European (n = 252) (NZE) and South Asian (n = 68) children reported the lowest (20.2 %) and highest (44.1 %) fracture incidence, respectively. NZE compared to South Asian children, had higher 25(OH)D concentrations (74.6 ± 19.8 vs. 48.4 ± 19.3 nmol/L, P < 0.001), higher total calcium intake (764.0 ± 394.4 vs. 592.7 ± 266.3 mg/d, P < 0.018), and lower %BF (19.5 ± 6.6 vs. 23.4 ± 8.4, P < 0.003). Maori children had the next highest fracture rate (32.5 %). This group had adequate 25(OH)D (64.2 ± 18.9 nmol/L), but high %BF (23.9 %) and most participated in vigorous PA. After stratifying by sex, binary logistic regression analysis revealed the main determinants of fracture history for boys were high %BF, low 25(OH)D, low calcium intake, high SSBs consumption, siblings' fracture history, family osteoporosis history, and being South Asian; and in girls, high SSBs consumption, siblings' fracture history, and family osteoporosis history. We found South Asian ethnicity was a significant risk factor for boys. Some children were at high risk of vitamin D deficiency and for whom supplementation may be necessary in winter. Good nutrition (especially good sources of calcium and reducing SSBs intakes) should be recommended to children during growth and development to reduce their risk of fractures.

Supplementation with Bovine Milk or Soy Beverages Recovers Bone Mineralization in Young Growing Rats Fed an Insufficient Diet, in Contrast to an Almond Beverage.

BACKGROUND: Nondairy beverages, produced from soy, rice, oat, almond, or coconut, are increasingly being used as alternatives to dairy milk, with the perception that they are healthier and/or more sustainable products than dairy products. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of supplementing either bovine milk, soy, or almond-based beverages to young, growing rats fed an intact-protein diet or a diet that had protein substituted with amino acids (AA-diet). METHODS: Three-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to 5 groups (n = 10/group) and fed ad libitum for 4 wk. Two control groups were fed either standard AIN-93G food [20% casein (CN) protein] or AIN-93G with amino acids (AAs) equivalent to CN protein, and water to drink. Three treatment groups were fed AIN-93G AA and supplemented with either bovine ultra-heat treatment (UHT) milk or soy or almond UHT beverages. Rat weight gain and food intakes were recorded. During week 4, body composition was assessed using DEXA to determine lean soft tissue, fat, and bone mass. At trial end, bone biomechanical properties and blood plasma mineral concentrations were measured. RESULTS: At the end of the trial, animals supplemented with almond beverage were lightest (P > 0.05), with higher plasma calcium concentrations (P > 0.05) and lower bone mineral content (BMC) and bone density (P > 0.05) than animals supplemented with milk or soy beverage. Soy-supplemented animals had similar BMC and bone density compared with milk-supplemented animals, although the soy group gained most weight (P > 0.05) and had the highest fat:lean ratio (P > 0.05) compared with other groups. CONCLUSIONS: In the model tested, supplementing rats with bovine UHT milk and soy UHT beverage provided favorable bone health outcomes. Conversely, almond UHT beverage was not an effective supplement and could be detrimental to bone mineralization and strength outcomes.

Wintertime Vitamin D status and its related risk factors among children living in Auckland, New Zealand.

AIM: To investigate vitamin D status and its determinants in school-aged children living in Auckland, New Zealand. METHODS: Healthy children (n=507) aged 8-11 years were recruited from six primary schools to include a range of ethnicities and sociodemographic characteristics. Finger-prick blood spots were collected and analysed for capillary 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D). Weight and percentage of body fat (%BF) were measured using the InBody 230 (Biospace Co. Ltd., Seoul, Korea). Information related to ethnicity, skin colour, physical activity and sun exposure were sought from parents through a questionnaire. RESULTS: Mean±standard deviation (SD) 25(OH)D concentration were 64±21 nmol/L, with 31% of the population presenting with 25(OH)D≥75nmol/L, 41% 50-75nmol/L and 28%<50nmol/L. Capillary 25(OH)D was significantly higher in New Zealand European compared to all other ethnic groups (75±20nmol/L, P<0.001). As expected, children with dark/brown skin colour had lower 25(OH)D levels compared to other skin colour categories (51±18nmol/L, P<0.001). Using multiple logistic regression analysis, determinants of 25(OH)D were %BF and ethnicity. CONCLUSION: Approximately one-third of this population had 25(OH)D<50nmol/L. Determinants of a 25(OH)D<50nmol/L included %BF and ethnicity. Wintertime serum 25(OH)D was highly variable. There are some children at high risk of 25(OH)D<50nmol/L for whom supplementation may be considered.

The Preventive Effects of Greenshell Mussel (Perna canaliculus) on Early-Stage Metabolic Osteoarthritis in Rats with Diet-Induced Obesity.

The prevalence of osteoarthritis (OA) is rising worldwide, with the most pronounced increase being in the category of metabolic-associated osteoarthritis (MetOA). This is predicted to worsen with the global rise in aging societies and obesity. To address this health burden, research is being conducted to identify foods that can reduce the incidence or severity of MetOA. Oil from the Greenshell mussel (Perna canaliculus) (GSM), a native New Zealand shellfish, has been successfully used to reduce OA symptoms. The current study assessed the effect of including flash-dried powder from whole GSM meat as part of a normal (control) versus high-fat/high-sugar (HFHS) diet for 13 weeks on the development of MetOA in rats. Rats fed a HFHS diet developed metabolic dysregulation and obesity with elevated plasma leptin and HbA1C concentrations. Visible damage to knee joint cartilage was minimal, but plasma levels of C telopeptide of type II collagen (CTX-II), a biomarker of cartilage degradation, were markedly higher in HFHS-fed rats compared to control-fed rats. However, rats fed the HFHS diet containing GSM had significantly reduced serum CTX-II. Inclusion of GSM in rats fed the control diet also lowered CTX-II. These findings suggest that dietary GSM can reduce the incidence or slow the progression of early MetOA.

Fortified Milk Supplementation Improves Vitamin D Status, Grip Strength, and Maintains Bone Density in Chinese Premenopausal Women Living in Malaysia.

This study compared the effects of a high-calcium vitamin D fortified milk with added FOS-Inulin versus regular milk on serum parathyroid hormone (PTH), vitamin D status, grip strength (GS), as well as bone density in Chinese premenopausal women over 52 weeks. Premenopausal women (n = 133), mean age 41 (±5.1) years were randomized into control (n = 66; regular milk at 500 mg calcium per day) or intervention (Int; n = 67; fortified milk at 1200 mg calcium, 15 µg vitamin D, and 4 g FOS-Inulin per day) groups. Assessments were at baseline, weeks 12, 24, 36, and 52 for changes in vitamin D status, levels of PTH, and GS. Bone mineral densities (BMDs) of the lumbar spine (LS), femoral neck (FN), and whole body (WB) were assessed at baseline and week 52 using GE Lunar iDEXA (GE Healthcare, Madison, WI). At baseline, WB lean mass was positively associated with LS BMD (r = 0.30, p < 0.001) and FN BMD (r = 0.33, p = 0.003). Baseline 25(OH) vitamin D3 levels were 48.6 and 53.2 nmol/L (p = 0.57), respectively, and after the 12 months at 60.8 nmol/L (Int) versus 55.0 nmol/L (controls; p < 0.05 for change from baseline for both groups; no difference between groups at week 52). PTH levels decreased in both groups compared to baseline (p < 0.001), with no significant difference between groups. WB bone mineral content (BMC) and FN Z-score increased significantly in the Int group (p = 0.024 and p = 0.008). GS was positively associated with body weight, increasing in both groups over 52 weeks. Fortified milk improved vitamin D status, WB BMC, and Z-score of the FN, while regular milk maintained BMD. In addition, vitamin D status and GS improved.

A randomised controlled trial of vitamin D and omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in the treatment of irritability and hyperactivity among children with autism spectrum disorder.

Irritability and hyperactivity are common in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Because pharmacological treatments may have adverse effects, and despite limited evidence, caregivers/parents often use dietary supplements such as vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids to address these behavioural symptoms. As a secondary objective of the VIDOMA (Vitamin D and Omega-3 in ASD) trial, we evaluated the efficacy of vitamin D, omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid [omega-3 LCPUFA; docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)], or both on irritability and hyperactivity. New Zealand children with ASD (aged 2.5-8 years) participated in a 12-month randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of vitamin D (2000 IU/day, VID), omega-3 LCPUFA (722 mg/day DHA, OM), or both (2000 IU/day vitamin D + 722 mg/day DHA, VIDOM). The primary outcomes were the Aberrant Behaviour Checklist (ABC) domains of irritability and hyperactivity. Biomarkers (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and omega-3 index) and primary outcomes were measured at baseline and 12-months. Out of 111 children who completed baseline data collection, 66% completed the study (VID = 19, OM = 23, VIDOM = 15, placebo = 16). After 12 months, children receiving OM (-5.0 ± 5.0, P = 0.001) and VID (-4.0±4.9, P = 0.01) had greater reduction in irritability than placebo (0.8±6.1). Compared to placebo, children on VID also had greater reduction in hyperactivity (-5.2±6.3 vs. -0.8±5.6, P = 0.047). Serum 25(OH)D concentration (nmol/L, mean±SD) increased by 27±14 in VID and by 36±17 in VIDOM groups (P < 0.0001), and omega-3 index (%, median (25th, 75th percentiles)) by 4.4 (3.3, 5.9) in OM and by 4.0 (2.0, 6.0) in VIDOM groups (P < 0.0001), indicating a good compliance rate. The results indicate that vitamin D and omega-3 LCPUFA reduced irritability symptoms in children with ASD. Vitamin D also reduced hyperactivity symptoms in these children.

A Randomised-Controlled Trial of Vitamin D and Omega-3 Long Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in the Treatment of Core Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children.

We evaluated the efficacy of vitamin D (VID), omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 LCPUFA, OM), or both (VIDOM) on core symptoms of ASD. New Zealand children with ASD (n = 73; aged 2.5-8.0 years) received daily 2000 IU vitamin D3, 722 mg docosahexaenoic acid, both, or placebo. Outcome measures were Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) and Sensory Processing Measure (SPM). Of 42 outcome measures comparisons (interventions vs. placebo), two showed greater improvements (P = 0.03, OM and VIDOM for SRS-social awareness) and four showed trends for greater improvements (P < 0.1, VIDOM for SRS-social communicative functioning, OM for SRS-total, VIDOM for SPM-taste/smell and OM for SPM-balance/motion). Omega-3 LCPUFA with and without vitamin D may improve some core symptoms of ASD but no definitive conclusions can be made.

Rooibos tea extracts inhibit osteoclast formation and activity through the attenuation of NF-κB activity in RAW264.7 murine macrophages.

Rooibos tea is a naturally sweet and aromatic tea that is native to the Western Cape province of South Africa. Rooibos is usually fermented to produce the traditional reddish brown colour and has been found to have numerous health benefits. These include beneficial effects on osteoblasts; however, its effects on osteoclast formation and activity are unknown. Osteoclasts are large, multinucleated cells responsible for bone resorption. Binding of RANKL to its receptor on osteoclast precursors triggers the NF-κB signalling pathway leading to the formation of osteoclasts. Certain bone destructive diseases, such as osteoporosis, are characterised by overactive osteoclasts. The inhibition of osteoclasts may offer a potential mode to prevent these diseases. The polyphenol contents of both fermented and unfermented tea extracts were similar although the radical scavenging activity of fermented rooibos tea was lower. Both tea extracts were not cytotoxic and inhibited osteoclast formation. Fermented rooibos tea extract caused a greater reduction in osteoclast resorption and the associated gene expression when compared with unfermented rooibos tea. Both tea extracts were shown to attenuate NF-κB activity. Fermented rooibos was found to have a more potent inhibitory effect on osteoclasts than unfermented rooibos extract and therefore may have a beneficial effect on bone health.

The effects of green kiwifruit combined with isoflavones on equol production, bone turnover and gut microflora in healthy postmenopausal women.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Isoflavone (daidzein and genistein) interventions in postmenopausal women have produced inconsistent skeletal benefits, partly due to population heterogeneity in daidzein metabolism to equol by enteric bacteria. This study assessed changes in microflora and bone turnover in response to isoflavone and ki-wifruit supplementation in New Zealand postmenopausal women. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: Healthy women 1-10 years post-menopause were randomly allocated to group A (n=16) or B (n=17) for a 16-week crossover trial. Two consecutive 6-week treatment periods had a 2-week lead-in period at intervention commencement and a 2-week washout period between treatments. Treatments prescribed either (1) daily isoflavone supplementation (50 mg/day aglycone daidzein and genistein) alone, or (2) with two green kiwifruit. At treatment baseline and end-point (four time points) the serum bone markers C Telopeptide of Type I collagen (CTx), undercarboxylated os-teocalcin (unOC), and serum and urinary daidzein and equol, were measured. Changes in gut microflora were monitored in a subgroup of the women. RESULTS: Equol producers made up 30% of this study population (equol producers n=10; non-equol producers n=23) with serum equol rising significantly in equol producers. Serum ucOC decreased by 15.5% (p<0.05) after the kiwifruit and isoflavone treatment. There were no changes in serum CTx or in the diversity of the gut microflora. CONCLUSIONS: 50 mg/day isoflavones did not reduce bone resorption but kiwifruit and isoflavone consumption decreased serum ucOC levels, possibly due to vitamin K1 and/or other bioactive components of green kiwifruit.

Calcium and vitamin D fortified milk reduces bone turnover and improves bone density in postmenopausal women over 1 year.

PURPOSE: In Malaysia, hip fracture incidence is higher in Chinese women than other ethnic groups. This study compared the effects of a high-calcium vitamin D fortified milk with added FOS-inulin versus regular milk over 1 year on aspects of bone health in Chinese postmenopausal women in Malaysia. METHODS: One-hundred and twenty-one women (mean age 59 (± 4) years) were randomized into two groups: control (n = 60; regular milk, 428 mg calcium per day) or intervention (n = 61; fortified milk at 1200 mg calcium, 96 mg magnesium, 2.4 mg zinc, 15 µg vitamin D and 4 g FOS-inulin per day). At baseline, weeks 12, 24, 36 and 52, parathyroid hormone (PTH), C-Telopeptide of Type I Collagen (CTx-1), Procollagen I Intact N-Terminal propeptide (PINP) and vitamin D levels were assessed. Bone density (BMD) was measured at baseline and week 52 using a GE Lunar iDXA. RESULTS: Body mass index, lumbar spine and femoral neck BMD did not differ between groups at baseline. Over 52 weeks, mean plasma 25 (OH) D3 levels increased to 74.8 nmol/L (intervention group) or remained at 63.1 nmol/L (control group) (p < 0.001 between groups). PTH levels increased in the control group (p = 0.001). The intervention resulted in a significant suppression of CTx-1 and PINP at p = 0.018 and p = 0.004. Femoral neck BMD remained stable in the intervention group but decreased significantly in the controls, with a borderline treatment effect (p = 0.07). CONCLUSION: Compared with regular milk, the fortified milk suppressed bone turnover markers and tended to increase femoral neck BMD.

Effect of the dietary delivery matrix on vitamin D3 bioavailability and bone mineralisation in vitamin-D3-deficient growing male rats.

This study assessed bioavailability and utilisation of vitamin D3 in two feeding trials using young, growing Sprague-Dawley male rats. Trial one fed animals standard AIN-93G diet (casein protein) containing no vitamin D3 and goat or cow skimmed milk supplemented with vitamin D3. Trial two fed animals modified dairy-free AIN-93G diet (egg albumin) containing no vitamin D3 and goat or cow skimmed or full-fat milk supplemented with vitamin D3. Control groups received AIN-93G diets with or without vitamin D, and water. At 8 weeks of age, blood samples were collected for vitamin and mineral analysis, and femurs and spines were collected for assessment of bone mineralisation and strength. In both trials, analyses showed differences in bioavailability of vitamin D3, with ratios of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 to vitamin D3 intake more than 2-fold higher in groups drinking supplemented milk compared with groups fed supplemented solid food. Bone mineralisation was higher in groups drinking supplemented milk compared with groups fed supplemented solid food, for both trials (P<0·05). There was no difference in the parameters tested between skimmed milk and full-fat milk or between cow milk and goat milk. Comparison of the two trials suggested that dietary protein source promoted bone mineralisation in a growing rat model: modified AIN-93G with egg albumin produced lower bone mineralisation compared with standard AIN-93G with casein. Overall, this study showed that effects of vitamin D3 deficiency in solid diets were reversed by offering milk supplemented with vitamin D3, and suggests that using milk as a vehicle to deliver vitamin D is advantageous.

Iodine and Selenium Intakes of Postmenopausal Women in New Zealand.

Iodine and selenium are required for thyroid function. This study investigated iodine and selenium intakes in healthy, women aged 50-70 years (n = 97) from three cities in the North Island of New Zealand, after mandatory fortification of bread with iodised salt. Iodine and selenium concentrations were determined in 24-h urine samples; daily intakes were extrapolated from amounts in urine (90% and 55% of daily intake, respectively). Three day diet diaries (3DDD) also estimated selenium and iodine (excluding iodised salt) intake. Median urinary iodine concentration (UIC) was 57 (41, 78) µg/L, indicating mild iodine deficiency. Estimated median iodine intake based on urine was 138 (100, 172) µg/day, below Recommended Dietary Intake (RDI) (150 µg/day) with 25% below Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) (100 µg/day). Estimated median selenium intake was 50 (36, 71) µg/day based on urine and 45 (36, 68) µg/day using 3DDD, below RDI (60 µg/day) with 49%-55% below EAR (50 µg/day). Median bread intakes were low at 1.8 (1.1, 2.7) serves/day; 25% consumed ≤1 serve/day. Although population iodine intakes improved following mandatory fortification, some had low intakes. Selenium intakes remain low. Further research should investigate thyroid function of low consumers of iodine fortified bread and/or selenium in New Zealand.