Sunsweet Growers Official Nutrition Supporter Of World Osteoporosis Day

Sunsweet Joins Forces with the International Osteoporosis Foundation to Promote Nutrition for Better Bone Health

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Jun 12, 2015, 03:00 ET

YUBA CITY, Calif., June 12, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) launched the 2015 World Osteoporosis Day (WOD) campaign this week and Sunsweet Growers Inc. has joined the IOF as a Nutrition Supporter. Celebrated on October 20, this year's WOD theme focuses on nutrition and addresses the public health challenges associated with a lack of nutrients crucial to bone health.

Nutrition is an important modifiable factor for bone health. Sunsweet Growers Inc. is a logical supporter of this campaign as recent research suggests that prunes can lead to improved bone health. Studies suggest that the micronutrients in prunes can help prevent age-related bone loss, particularly in postmenopausal women.

A recent study found that osteopenic, postmenopausal women who ate 50 grams of prunes per day (about 4-5 prunes) for six months experienced improved bone mineral density at the end of the clinical trial.[1] This finding supports previous research with similar results from participants who ate 100 grams of prunes per day (10-12 prunes). Researchers discovered that the participants who ate prunes actually experienced increased bone mineral density in the spine and forearm.[2]

"Our research looking at the effect of prunes on bone health is very exciting," says Shirin Hooshmand, PhD, Assistant Professor of Nutrition at San Diego State University. "Adding prunes to the diet is an easy step that people can take to improve bone health. We continue to conduct studies on this topic to learn all that we can about the connection between prunes and bone health as a way to strengthen bones through nutrition."

Osteoporosis has been defined as 'a pediatric disease with geriatric consequences', emphasizing that bone health is shaped very early in life. Bones are formed of living tissue and require proper nutrients to stay healthy. Focusing on proper nutrition, including fruits and vegetables, such as prunes, is important for people of all ages to improve bone health.

Judy Stenmark, CEO, IOF, said, "No matter what your age, you need to think about bone-healthy nutrition to build and maintain your skeleton. Eating a balanced diet that includes foods such as dairy products, oily fish, fruits and vegetables will help your bones get the essential nutrients they need in order to stay strong and mobile as you age."

About SUNSWEET

Sunsweet Growers Inc., established in 1917, has more than 95 years of experience and heritage in producing the highest quality dried fruits. The Yuba City, Calif.-based cooperative of 270 growers/members is the worldwide leader in prunes 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 or even PlumSweet 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 International Osteoporosis Foundation

The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) is the world's largest nongovernmental organization dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis and related musculoskeletal diseases. IOF members, including committees of scientific researchers, leading companies, as well as more than 230 patient, medical and research societies, work together to make bone, joint and muscle health a worldwide heath-care priority. www.iofbonehealth.org; www.facebook.com/iofbonehealth; https://twitter.com/iofbonehealth

Calcium Calculator available for free as:

Online calculator: http://bit.ly/calcium-calculator-web; iPhone App: http://bit.ly/calcium-calculator-iOS; Android App: http://bit.ly/calcium-calculator-android

WOD, observed annually on 20 October, marks a year-long campaign www.worldosteoporosisday.org #LoveYourBones

WOD Official Partners: Amgen, Fonterra, Pfizer Consumer Healthcare, Lilly, MSD, Takeda
WOD Nutrition Supporters: DSM, Rousselot, Sunsweet Growers Inc.

[1] Metti D, et al. Effects of low dose dried plum (50g) on bone mineral density and bone biomarkers in older postmenopausal women.

[2] Arjmandi BH, Khalil DA, Lucas EA, et al. (2002) Dried plums improve indices of bone formation in postmenopausal women. J Womens Health Gend Based Med 11, 61–68.

SOURCE Sunsweet