Effects of Hesperidin on Bone Mineral Density and Bone Metabolism of Postmenopausal Women
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2009-04-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Fruits and vegetables are rich in a variety of flavonoids with antioxidant properties. These
compounds may be partially responsible for some of the positive links found between fruits
and vegetables intake and higher bone mineral density in adults and children. Several animal
studies have shown that consumption of onions (which are rich in quercetin), rutin (a
quercetin glycoside) and resvatrol (found in red wine) inhibits ovariectomy induced bone loss
in rats. One of the most studied flavonoids with respect to bone health is the soy
isoflavones. However, consumption of soy products is relatively low in Western countries. One
the other hand, a flavonoid such as hesperidin, found mostly in oranges is much more abundant
in the Western diet. Citrus juice consumption has been demonstrated to prevent bone loss in
male orchidectomized rats while specifically feeding hesperidin has been shown to prevent
bone loss in ovariectomized mice and rats. However, to date no clinical prove has been
obtained for these benefits.Therefore the aim of this study is to investigate the effect of
hesperidin in preventing bone loss in postmenopausal women. This study is designed as a
2-year, double blind, placebo-controlled, two arm, and parallel group study. The primary
outcome measure is change in bone mineral density (BMD) while the secondary outcome measures
are changes in bone resorption and formation markers as well as body composition. The women
are randomised to consume 2 servings of hesperidin-rich food or food without hesperidin but
with the same taste & appearance (placebo). Subjects will undergo medical screening,
anthropometry, physical activity, dietary assessments and BMD before randomisation into
placebo or active group. Follow-up measurements are made at 3-month intervals (for blood and
urine collection) and 6-month intervals for bone mineral density. Side effects are also being
monitored during each visit.