Associations between blood antioxidant levels and femoral neck strength

Abstract

Background Studies have confirmed that antioxidants contribute to a lower risk of osteoporosis, which is an independent factor for femoral neck fracture (FNF). However, the associations between blood antioxidant levels and femoral neck strength remain unclear. Objective Our aim was to test the hypothesis that levels of blood antioxidants are positively associated with composite indices of bone strength in femoral neck, which integrate the bending strength index (BSI), compressive strength index (CSI), and impact strength index (ISI), in a population of middle-aged and elderly individuals. Methods This cross-sectional study utilized data from the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study. Blood levels of antioxidants were measured and analyzed. Results In total, data from 878 participants were analyzed. Results of Spearman correlation analyses indicated that blood levels of 6 antioxidants (total lutein, zeaxanthin, alpha-carotene, 13-cis-beta-carotene, trans-beta-carotene and total lycopene) were positively associated with CSI, BSI, or ISI in middle-aged and elderly individuals. Conversely, blood gamma-tocopherol and alpha-tocopherol levels were negatively associated with CSI, BSI, or ISI scores. Furthermore, linear regression analyses suggested that only blood zeaxanthin levels remained positively associated with CSI (odds ratio, OR 1.27; 95% CI: 0.03, 2.50; p = 0.045), BSI (OR, 0.54; 95% CI: 0.03–1.06; p = 0.037), and ISI (OR, 0.06; 95% CI: 0.00, 0.13; p = 0.045) scores in the study population after adjusting for age and sex. Conclusions Our results indicated that elevated blood zeaxanthin levels were significantly and positively associated with femoral neck strength (CSI, BSI, or ISI) in a population of middle-aged and elderly individuals. These findings suggest that zeaxanthin supplementation may reduce FNF risk independently.

Intake of dietary flavonoids in relation to bone loss among U.S. adults: a promising strategy for improving bone health

“…It has been suggested by previous studies that antioxidant intake has a strong impact on the femoral neck BMD. 57,58 For instance, β-carotene intake had a negative association with femoral neck and total hip BMD rather than lumbar spine BMD in premenopausal women. 58 Furthermore, the interesting observation warrants validation in a more extensive population cohort.…”

Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods: A Comprehensive Review of Their Role in Bone Health

“…Niu et al found a positive correlation between high blood zeaxanthin levels and femoral neck strength. Moreover, a positive correlation was found between the blood zeaxanthin level and other bone strength parameters, such as bending strength index, compression strength index, and impact strength index [ 93 ]. In another study, Murphy et al, analyzing 4513 community-dwelling adults aged >50 years, found that subjects with higher lutein and zeaxanthin serum levels were less likely to develop frailty after 8 years of follow-up.…”

The Healing Callus-Promoting Effect of Fenugreek in a Humerus Shaft Fracture: A Case Report

“…Fenugreek seeds contain phosphorus, which falls into different classes: inorganic phosphorus, phospholipids, phytates, phosphorproteins, and nucleic acids. Germinated seeds contain amino acids, proteins, ascorbic acid, vitamin E, and sugars [4][5][6][7]. A previous study showed that mandibular fracture healing had been accelerated in camels fed fenugreek (100 g/camel/day) for two weeks [3].…”