With an aging population, osteoporosis is a substantial public health problem. Postmenopausal osteoporosis is a problem that is becoming more common among older women as the world’s population ages.1(2) It is distinguished by elevated low-grade inflammation, which contributes to poor bone mass and bone mineral content deterioration, culminating in bone loss or fractures. This paper will examine two peer-reviewed articles that outline research on postmenopausal osteoporosis and relate the findings to the work of the Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist (RDN).
The selected works delve into the problem of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Thus, Ilesanmi-Oyelere and Kruger assess the current state of the problem in New Zealand, which has one of the highest rates linked to the given condition.1(3) Although the pathophysiology of osteoporosis is complex, important factors include a lack of estrogen, poor dietary habits, chronic inflammation, smoking, excessive alcohol intake, and a sedentary lifestyle.1(4) The similar idea is supported by Park and Shin in their article, as they focus on investigating how a specific diet can help to reduce inflammation and reduce the speed of osteoporosis development.2(55) Furthermore, food intake modulates the makeup and function of the human gut microbiota. Emerging data indicate that the gut microbiome plays critical roles in host energy balance, immune system enablement, and metabolic function and health.¹(5) The given information is useful for an RDN as it offers ideas of how the diet can be used to manage osteoporosis and improve patients’ quality of life.
Furthermore, the selected works focus on the importance of nutraceuticals. These can be viewed as alternative pharmaceutical products created from medicinal plants and foods, are non-hormonal natural remedies, or approaches to menopausal symptoms.1(6) Phytoestrogenic plants or isoflavones, antioxidants, dietary supplements, and fortified dairy products are examples.¹(8) The authors found that there are some dietary patterns that contribute to the development of osteoporosis and, therefore, can be addressed by medical professionals.¹(9) Dietary patterns aid in the development of health features of food groups, in a factor or cluster analysis as a combination of foods, and in the reduced rank regression analytic approach to depicting groupings of food with health outcomes.1(9) It is not unexpected that foods such as low-fat dairy, legumes, nuts, olive oil, fish, fruits, and vegetables were identified as beneficial for the prevention of non-communicable disorders, including osteoporosis and fractures. It means that by using specific foods and diets, RDNs can help patients with the condition and reduce the severity of symptoms.
The existing research also evidences the role high-fat and high-protein diets play in the functioning of the body. Thus, an experiment conducted in the research shows that using specific diets can improve memory in rats, especially those on high protein diets. 2(58) At the same time, inappropriate food and the lack of control over nutrients might result in the worsening of symptoms and a decreased quality of life.2(58) These facts prove the importance of appropriate dietary habits and the significant role of RDNs. Controlling the products consumed by women subjected to osteoporosis, these specialists can slow down the speed of symptoms development and significantly improve the existing condition.
Altogether, the papers examine issues linked to osteoporosis and recommendations regarding diets based on the findings. Regardless of numerous attempts to address the problem, it remains one of the factors affecting the health of populations. Osteoporosis is characterized by a set of critical changes in the functioning of the body, worsening people’s well-being. The reviewed articles show that an adequate diet might help to attain significant improvement. Under these conditions, the information from the studies might be used by RDNs in their work to address osteoporosis and ensure patients benefit from the recent findings.
References
Ilesanmi-Oyelere BL, Kruger MC. Nutrient and dietary patterns in relation to the pathogenesis of postmenopausal osteoporosis—a literature review. Life. 2020; 10: 2-13.
Park S, Shin BK. Intermittent fasting with a high-protein diet mitigated osteoarthritis symptoms by increasing lean body mass and reducing inflammation in osteoarthritic rats with Alzheimer’s disease-like dementia. British Journal of Nutrition. 2022; 127(1): 55-67.