No abstract

Objectives Osteoporosis in men is an overlooked yet increasingly important clinical problem that, historically, has not received the same degree of awareness as with women. Epidemiologic studies demonstrate that male osteoporosis contributes significantly to the burden of osteoporotic fractures, especially among the aging population. Although several studies of male animals have demonstrated bone protective effects of dried plum, no human study has evaluated the effect of dried plum on bone metabolism in men. For this purpose, we conducted a randomized controlled clinical study to test if daily inclusion of 100 g dried plum will positively influence serum markers of bone metabolism in men. Methods Sixty-six men (50–79 years old) were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups: 1) control (0 g dried plum) or; 2) 100 g dried plum with fifty-eight subjects completing the study. All groups received 500 mg calcium and 300 IU vitamin D (Shaklee Chewable Cal Mag Plus) as a daily supplement. Blood samples were collected at baseline, and after three and six months to assess biomarkers of bone turnover. Results Serum bone specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP) levels decreased significantly at 6 months in both control and dried plum groups. 100 g/day dried plum consumption resulted in a time-dependent reduction in serum tartrate resistant acid phosphatase-5b (TRAP5b) levels, a marker of bone resorption, at three- and six-month time intervals compared to baseline while there were no significant changes in serum TRAP5b levels of the control group. Dried plum consumption significantly decreased C-terminal collagen cross-links (CTX), another marker of bone resorption, three- and six-months compared to baseline. No changes were observed in the control group for CTX levels. Conclusions The results of the current study suggest that daily consumption of 100 g dried plum for 6 months has modest bone protective effects in men that are somewhat similar to those observed in postmenopausal osteopenic and older osteopenic women. Funding Sources This study was funded by the California Dried Plum Board.

Objectives A nutrient-dense snack such as fruit may promote greater satiety which may be associated with lower food intake and weight management. Mangos could be a healthful alternative to a less nutritious snack due to its many beneficial dietary compounds. Along with carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and many vitamins and minerals, mangos also have polyphenols and phytochemicals. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of mangos on postprandial glucose and insulin responses as well as satiety hormone levels. Methods In a randomized crossover study design, 23 overweight and obese adults consumed either 100 Kcal of fresh mangos or isocaloric low-fat cookies for two separate occasions. Subjects came in overnight fasted and a venous blood draw was taken. They were then asked to complete the snack around 5 minutes. After 45-minutes of the participant's last bite, another venous blood draw was taken. Blood samples were analyzed for insulin, glucose and the satiety hormones leptin, ghrelin, adiponectin, cholecystokinin (CCK), and peptide YY (PYY). Results Both the mango and low-fat cookie consumption increased glucose and insulin with significantly less increase in mangos compared to low-fat cookies at 45-minute post snack consumption (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in satiety hormones leptin, ghrelin and PYY levels between the two snacks. There was a significant increase in CCK for both mango and low-fat cookie post snack consumption (P = 0.008). However, no differences between the two were found. Adiponectin significantly increased with post-consumption of mango (P = 0.032) and there were no significant differences with post-consumption of the low-fat cookie. Conclusions Mangos help maintain stable blood glucose and insulin levels post-consumption which in part correlates with increases of adiponectin levels. These results suggest mangos are a beneficial snack for those looking to lose weight or have a medical condition in which stabilizing postprandial glycemic response is critical. Future research on the long-term effects of mango consumption on satiety hormone levels and glucose response is warranted. Funding Sources The National Mango Board (#603,024).

Objectives Traditionally, osteoporosis has been viewed as a disease mostly affecting women, but cases in men are increasing. Fractures due to osteoporosis can lead to a decreased quality of life in vulnerable populations and lead to increased mortality in men. Although several studies of male and female animals and adult women have demonstrated bone protective effects of dried plum (prunes), no human study has evaluated the effect of dried plum on bone health in men. The objective of the current study was to examine the long-term effects of 100 g dried plum on bone density and strength in men. Methods Sixty-six men (50–79 years old) were randomly assigned into two treatment groups for 12 months: (1) 100 g/day of dried plums; (2) control (0 g/day dried plum). Bone mineral density was measured at baseline, 6- and 12-months at the total body, hip, lumbar spine, and ulna via dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Evaluation of volumetric bone density and strength of the left tibia occurred at baseline, 6- and 12-months using peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT). Results There were no statistically significant changes in bone mineral density (BMD) from baseline to 6 months and 12 months for total body, spine (L1-L4), right and left hip BMD in the control group (0 g/day dried plum) or 100 g/day dried plum group. Modest beneficial effects of dried plums were observed for changes in bone geometry as detected by pQCT including a tendency for BMD to increase as well as increases in periosteal and endosteal circumferences at the 66% region of the tibia, which may promote greater bone strength. Conclusions Dried plums have the potential to improve bone morphometry of the proximal tibia in healthy adult men when consumed for 12 months. Future studies should examine the impact on men with low bone density to further evaluate the bone protective effects of dried plum in male populations. Funding Sources This study was funded by the California Dried Plum Board.