Scientific Paper Confirms the Nutrients in Fruits and Vegetables are Important for Building Peak Bone Mass

YUBA CITY, Calif., Feb. 10, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Studies suggest that one in two women and up to one in four men, age 50 and older, will break a bone due to osteoporosis.¹ The good news is that a balanced diet, combined with regular exercise, can help to optimize bone health at all ages and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.² Today, the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) issued a position statement specific to developing "peak bone mass," which highlights the nutrition, physical activity and lifestyle factors recommended to optimize peak bone mass and reduce the risk of osteoporosis and related fractures later in life.

The position paper, published in the journal Osteoporosis International, is considered the first systematic review of its kind. In addition to supporting the positive effect of calcium and vitamin D intake on bone strength, the authors note that a variety of other nutrients, including dietary fiber, potassium, magnesium, and vitamin C are also important for bone health.

"People often think of dairy foods for building strong bones, but a bone-healthy diet also includes fruits and vegetables, like prunes, oranges, kale and potatoes, fatty fish, like salmon, sardines and tuna, and calcium and vitamin D fortified foods," said Taylor C. Wallace, PhD, senior director of science, policy and government relations at NOF.

Dr. Shirin Hooshmand, Associate Professor, School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences at San Diego State University, agrees as she has been conducting nutrition research on the bone health benefits of eating prunes.

"Our research suggests that the consumption of nutrients found in prunes, like potassium, magnesium and vitamin K, are important for bone health," notes Hooshmand. "The new Peak Bone Mass Study is an exciting addition to the growing body of evidence of the role that nutrition can play in developing optimal bone health."

Hooshmand's recent study suggests that osteopenic, postmenopausal women who ate 50 grams of prunes per day (4-5 prunes) for six months experienced improved bone mineral density at the end of the clinical trial.³ Similar results were seen in an earlier study conducted by Hooshmand using 100 grams of prunes per day (10-11 prunes). 

Sunsweet Growers, the world's largest handler of dried fruits including prunes, is dedicated to increasing awareness of osteoporosis prevention and has partnered with the NOF to help spread the message. Additionally, Sunsweet has launched a one-stop shop for those looking for more information on how to love your bones. Bone building recipes, exercise and nutrition tips can be found on sunsweetworldosteoporosisday.com.

For more information about Sunsweet products, recipes, and healthy living tips please visit: www.sunsweet.com.

About Sunsweet
Sunsweet Growers Inc., established in 1917, has more than 97 years of experience and heritage in producing the highest quality dried fruits. The Yuba City, California based cooperative of 270 growers/members is the worldwide leader in prunes, prune juice and related products. With today's busy lifestyle, people face many challenges throughout their day to eat right. Sunsweet Amaz!n Prunes, individually wrapped Ones, Diced Prunes, preservative-free D'Noir Prunes or even PlumSweets Chocolate Prunes are all designed to fit today's need for healthy and convenient food choices. For more on Sunsweet products, visit www.sunsweet.com.

About the National Osteoporosis Foundation 
Established in 1984, the National Osteoporosis Foundation is the nation's leading health organization dedicated to preventing osteoporosis and broken bones, promoting strong bones for life and reducing human suffering through programs of awareness, education, advocacy and research. For more information on the National Osteoporosis Foundation, visit www.nof.org.

¹ National Osteoporosis Foundation. "What is Osteoporosis". Accessed 11.30.15. http://nof.org/articles/7
² International Osteoporosis Foundation, 2015 Patient Brochure.
³ Metti et al. Effects of Low Dose of Dried Plum (50 g) on Bone Mineral Density and Bone Biomarkers in Older Postmenopausal Women. April  2015 The FASEB Journal vol. 29 no. 1 Supplement738.12

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