Blackcurrants could be the key to preventing osteoporosis in menopausal women

New research finds New Zealand blackcurrant extract reduces harmful proteins responsible for the development of the condition

The simple blackcurrant could hold the key to easing osteoporosis issues in menopausal women, a new study has suggested. Results from a new clinical trial of New Zealand blackcurrant extract suggest that the extract from the superfruit could help protect against this life-limiting condition, which is responsible for many deaths from fracture-related causes.

Osteoporosis is a bone disease which causes bones to become fragile and more likely to break. The clinical trial tested low or high doses of the extract a day, or a placebo, on 40 peri and early post-menopausal participants aged 45 to 60.

Those taking the high dose showed significant improvements in bone mineral density after just six months. The women exhibited a reduction in harmful proteins associated with bone resorption, a key factor in the development of osteoporosis.

Researchers from the University of Connecticut found that high daily doses of New Zealand blackcurrant extract promoted beneficial gut bacteria which helps maintain bone density, reduced inflammation and controlled specific molecules which promote bone breakdown.

One in two British women over the age of 50 are impacted by the disease and osteoporosis particularly affects women during the menopause transition because of falling oestrogen levels. British researcher Dr Julie Hunt, an academic at the University of Surrey’s Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, said the results confirm blackcurrant’s exciting potential for adult bone health, with broader implications for adult populations.

Hunt stated: “Blackcurrant shows promising potential, particularly for women in the menopause transition. For women in this stage, incorporating blackcurrants into their diet could be a proactive step toward reducing the risk of bone loss.

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"The study showed an increase in bone density and suggested blackcurrants could help with both bone formation and reducing bone breakdown. Therefore, it might serve as a natural preventive strategy.”

Regarded a “national health emergency” by the Royal Osteoporosis Society, there is currently limited treatment for the disease, so effective interventions are urgently needed. Blackcurrant supplements, such as CurraNZ, therefore, could offer a promising natural approach to helping to ease osteoporosis issues in menopausal women,

Hunt added: “Given that many existing treatments for bone loss involve pharmaceuticals with potential side effects, blackcurrants offer a more natural approach that could appeal to those seeking alternatives or preventive measures.”

GP, Dr Nisa Aslam added: “It’s worth highlighting that it would be challenging to consume the necessary amount of blackcurrants naturally to match the levels used in the study. The high-dose group, which showed significant improvements in bone density, consumed the equivalent of about 284 fresh blackcurrants per day, or two capsules with 392 mg of blackcurrant extract.”

But she added: “Overall, while the findings are promising, it’s essential to keep in mind that further research is needed to confirm optimal doses and the long-term effectiveness of blackcurrants.”

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