U.S. Montmorency Tart Cherry Juice Decreases Bone Resorption in Women Aged 65–80 Years

Abstract

Pre-clinical studies have demonstrated that tart cherries, rich in hydroxycinnamic acids and anthocyanins, protect against age-related and inflammation-induced bone loss. This study examined how daily consumption of Montmorency tart cherry juice (TC) alters biomarkers of bone metabolism in older women. Healthy women, aged 65–80 years (n = 27), were randomly assigned to consume ~240 mL (8 fl. oz.) of juice once (TC1X) or twice (TC2X) per day for 90 d. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans were performed to determine bone density at baseline, and pre- and post-treatment serum biomarkers of bone formation and resorption, vitamin D, inflammation, and oxidative stress were assessed. Irrespective of osteoporosis risk, the bone resorption marker, tartrate resistant acid phosphatase type 5b, was significantly reduced with the TC2X dose compared to baseline, but not with the TC1X dose. In terms of indicators of bone formation and turnover, neither serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase nor osteocalcin were altered. No changes in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances or high sensitivity C-reactive protein were observed in response to either TC1X or TC2X. We conclude that short-term supplementation with the higher dose of tart cherry juice decreased bone resorption from baseline without altering bone formation and turnover biomarkers in this cohort.

The Influence of Tart Cherry (Prunus cerasus, cv Montmorency) Concentrate Supplementation for 3 Months on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Middle-Aged Adults: A Randomised, Placebo-Controlled Trial

“…For example, Chai and colleagues [ 14 ] reported a higher BMI (1.06 kg/m 2 ) in those consuming MC concentrate for 12 weeks. More recently, Dodier et al [ 70 ] reported an increase in body mass and BMI, following the intake of 240 mL/day of MC for 90 days, warranting careful consideration in future research designs.…”

Fructooligosaccharides act on the gut–bone axis to improve bone independent of Tregs and alter osteocytes in young adult C57BL/6 female mice

“… 41 , 42 Postmenopausal women consuming TC juice twice daily exhibited a decrease in the bone resorption marker, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase type 5b. 43 Phenolic acids reduce osteoclastogenesis by inhibiting the receptor activator of nuclear factor κB (RANKL) and promoting osteoblast differentiation via TGF-β signaling in both bone and gut in a Treg cell differentiation–dependent manner. 42 , 44 However, these phenolic acids are relatively poorly absorbed, which suggests that their effects on bone cells may also be mediated via gut-derived metabolites.…”

Thirty Days of Montmorency Tart Cherry Supplementation Has No Effect on Gut Microbiome Composition, Inflammation, or Glycemic Control in Healthy Adults

“…For example, Bell et al ( 18 ) found a 29% decrease in CRP 5 h after ingestion of 30 or 60 ml MTC concentration, with no difference between the doses, and this reduction was still apparent at 48 h. However, Hillman and Uhranowsky ( 22 ) did not find a change in CRP during a 48 h intervention with either 30 or 60 ml MTC juice. Moreover, a 4 week intervention with MTC juice found a non-significant 19% reduction in CRP ( 23 ), while other interventions lasting 6 weeks ( 39 ) and 12 weeks ( 36 , 40 ) also failed to find significant reductions in CRP from MTC supplementation. Two investigations that utilized sweet Bing cherries did find significant reductions in CRP both after 3 h ( 41 ) and 28 day ( 42 ).…”

“…However, because it is an essential marker of inflammation and elevated CRP has been noted in many inflammatory diseases (38) it can be a valuable tool for evaluating the impact of tart cherry on inflammation. (36,40) also failed to find significant reductions in CRP from MTC supplementation. Two investigations that utilized sweet Bing cherries did find significant reductions in CRP both after 3 h (41) and 28 day (42).…”