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Flaxseed combined with low-dose estrogen therapy preserves bone tissue in ovariectomized rats PDF Print E-mail

Abstract

Objective: Flaxseed is rich in lignans and a-linolenic acid, compounds that may promote healthy skeletons. Many postmenopausal women consume complementary health products such as flaxseed or its components in addition to pharmacological agents such as low-dose estrogen therapy for additional support for menopausal symptoms and related conditions. However, their combined effect on bone health is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of 10% dietary flaxseed, low-dose estrogen therapy, or their combination on bone mineral density, biomechanical strength, and skeletal fatty acid composition in an ovariectomized rat model of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Methods: Ovariectomized rats received (1) basal diet (negative control), (2) 10% flaxseed, (3) low-dose estrogen implant (13 µg, 90 day release), or (4) flaxseed + low-dose estrogen implant for 12 weeks. A sham-operated group was included as a positive control. Bone mineral density, biomechanical strength, and fatty acid composition were measured at multiple skeletal sites.

Results: Flaxseed + low-dose estrogen therapy resulted in the highest bone mineral density and peak load at the lumbar vertebrae, with no effect on bone mineral density or strength in the tibia and femur. Flaxseed and flaxseed + low-dose estrogen therapy resulted in significantly higher relative levels of a-linolenic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid and lower levels of linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, and n-6/n-3 ratio in the lumbar vertebrae and tibia compared with all other groups.

Conclusion: Flaxseed + low-dose estrogen therapy provides the greatest protection against ovariectomy-induced bone loss at the lumbar vertebrae. Moreover, this study is the first to demonstrate that flaxseed, rich in a-linolenic acid, alters fatty acid composition in the ovariectomized rat skeleton.

Sacco, Sandra M. MSc; Jiang, Jessica M.Y. MSc; Reza-López, Sandra MSc; Ma, David W.L. PhD; Thompson, Lilian U. PhD; Ward, Wendy E. PhD
 
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Body Logic MD

Physicians Specializing in
Natural Bioidentical Hormones

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

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