Wheat Bran May Not Prevent Bone Loss In Elderly

Wheat Bran May Not Prevent Bone Loss In Elderly

TUCSON, Ariz.--Wheat bran fiber (WBF) may not prevent bone loss inthe elderly, according to a study published in the September edition of Nutrition(20, 9:747-51, 2004) (www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/08999007).

In the trial, 237 men and women of 40 to 80 years of age were randomized intoa high (13.5 g/d) or a low (2 g/d) WBF supplementation group. Bone mineraldensity at the forearm was measured by single photon absorptiometry at baselineand yearly to monitor the effects of WBF supplementation on bone metabolism. Nosignificant differences in bone loss between the low WBF and high WBF groupswere found. Moreover, no significant differences in bone loss between groupswere found after adjusting for confounding factors.

The scientists concluded WBF supplementation at the level administered inthis study may not prevent bone loss among the elderly.