Researchers in China have found that daily consumption of milk fortified with calcium and vitamin D can improve bone mineral density and potentially prevent bone loss in postmenopausal women, offering a new avenue for addressing osteoporosis in this population.
The study, published in ‘Frontiers in Nutrition’, followed 97 postmenopausal women for one year, examining the impact of consuming 400 milliliters of calcium- and vitamin D-enriched milk daily. Postmenopause is characterized by a significant decline in estrogen levels, accelerating bone loss and increasing the risk of osteoporosis, a condition affecting between 9 and 38 percent of women in this life stage.
Low intake of calcium and vitamin D are key risk factors for osteoporosis, as both micronutrients are essential for bone formation and maintenance. Milk is a readily available source of calcium, protein, and bioactive peptides, but specific evidence regarding the effects of calcium-enriched milk has been limited until now.
The research assessed changes in bone mineral density in the lumbar spine, hip, and femoral neck, as well as biochemical markers of bone formation and resorption. Researchers also analyzed the composition of the gut microbiome and the intestinal and serum metabolome, including the biosynthesis of steroid hormones and metabolic pathways related to inflammation and bone renewal.
Participants who consumed the fortified milk experienced a significant increase in bone mineral density in the spine and hip, suggesting improved bone strength and reduced structural deterioration associated with postmenopause. They also exhibited less bone mass loss, a finding supported by both densitometric measurements and biochemical markers of bone metabolism. Levels of vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus – all crucial for bone mineralization – were also higher in this group.
The intervention with calcium- and vitamin D-enriched milk also increased the presence of beneficial gut bacteria, such as ‘Bacteroides’ and ‘Subdoligranulum’, which are associated with improved digestion, mineral absorption, and metabolic balance. A positive correlation was identified between certain intestinal bacteria and bone density, reinforcing the role of the gut-bone axis in preventing osteometabolic diseases.
The study also detected improvements in the biosynthesis of steroid hormones, including estrogen, the decline of which is a primary driver of postmenopausal bone loss. Positive effects were observed on metabolic pathways involved in inflammation and bone tissue regeneration, suggesting a systemic benefit beyond mineral supplementation.
The group consuming regular milk also showed an increase in blood calcium levels, albeit to a lesser extent, confirming that regular milk consumption generally contributes to bone health. Researchers found no increase in fat intake or body weight in either group, and the fortified milk was well-tolerated with no adverse effects.
The study’s authors recommend further research to determine optimal fortification levels and evaluate the long-term impact on fracture prevention. They highlight that calcium- and vitamin D-enriched milk represents a complementary and easily integrated intervention for preventing osteoporosis and maintaining bone health during postmenopause.
A study published in the journal Menopause, as reported by saludpublica.com, focused on evaluating understanding of osteoporosis and awareness of the disease among postmenopausal women.