Study Suggests Wine May Reduce Osteoporosis

Today’s health news is reporting that women in menopause may reduce their risk of developing osteoporosis by consuming two small glasses of wine each day.

Boston University Medical Center researchers studied the effects that alcohol, specifically wine, had on 40 postmenopausal women. The average age of these women was 56. During the study the women were measured for the presence of “bone turnover” markers. Bone turnover refers to the dissolving of old bone and the emergence of new bone. This process is ongoing in both women and men. Osteoporosis occurs when this process begins to slow down or ceases.

Women were monitored and directed to drink 2 small glasses of wine for a defined period. They were then directed to stop drinking the prescribed amount of wine for a period of time. After that time they were told they could resume the original 2 small glasses a day alcohol regimen. At the completion of this study, researchers found that the bone turnover markers were present during the periods of alcohol consumption, but began to diminish when women stopped consuming the alcohol.

This Boston University Medical Center Study was published in the journal, Menopause.

Why do postmenopausal women see an increased risk of osteoporosis?

Although researchers do not exactly know what causes osteoporosis, they have been able to determine an exact link between the lack of estrogen during menopause and the development osteoporosis. After menopause, bone resorption slows down. When old bone mass is dissolved, new bone mass is slow to replace the old bone mass.

Why do people call osteoporosis a silent disease?

I don’t know about you, but my ignorance regarding osteoporosis led me to believe it only occurs in elderly women. Those women we see walking around hunched over their purses and walkers. This is a complete misconception.

Bone disease in postmenopausal women can be present, but not make itself know until a slight fall or bump of a wrist results in an uncharacteristic break; a break that does not fit the nature of the fall. Osteoporosis weakens bones to the point that normal, every day trauma can cause serious bone injury.

What can I do to prevent osteoporosis?

Bone density begins to weaken after the age of 35. If you think that you may be losing an abnormal amount of bone mass, you should consult your doctor. However, women who are perimenopausal or menopausal can take preventative measures by:

• Consuming calcium and vitamin D supplements. These can be found naturally in sunlight and dairy products, too. Soy milk is a wonderful source for calcium and the isoflavones in soy have been known to ease menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and irritability.
• Adding weight/strength training into your exercise routine. Strong muscles protect bones.

While the wine study is promising as a way to prevent bone  loss, you should still speak with your doctor to determine the best course of action to keep your body in perfect form.