Caroline Gunn

Citation

Thesis Title
Increased intake of vegetables, herbs and fruit: effects on bone inpostmenopausal women

Read article at Massey Research Online:

Bone loss is accelerated at early menopause resulting in bones become increasingly fragile and prone to breakage. Bone turnover markers which become raised, reflect increased bone loss. Ms Gunn investigated a dietary approach to reducing bone turnover markers in postmenopausal women. Vegetables/herbs/fruit may reduce bone loss in midlife women through provision of phytochemical compounds, potassium and lower renal acid load which reduce inflammation and urinary calcium excretion.Ms Gunn found selected vegetables/herbs and fruit reduced bone turnover markers particularly in women with increased bone loss. The study also found increased potassium intake and lower potential renal acid load contributed to significant reduction in urinary calcium loss, further evidence of a beneficial effect of vegetables and fruit on bone.

Supervisors
Professor Marlena Kruger
Professor Jane Coad
Dr Janet Weber