New research suggests that eating a diet containing plenty of vitamin C may help older men to keep their bones strong and healthy.
Katherine L. Tucker and colleagues monitored 231 men and 393 women over a four-year period to examine the relationship between vitamin C intake – from food and supplements – and bone mineral density (BMD). The average age of participants at the start of the study was 75.
The results showed that men with the highest intake of vitamin C – approximately 314 mg per day – did not lose BMD during the study. In comparison, men with the lowest intake of vitamin C – approximately 106 mg per day – lost 5.6% of their BMD. Vitamin C was also shown to protect against BMD loss in women, however the finding was not statistically significant.
The researchers conclude: “These results suggest a possible protective role of vitamin C for bone health in older men.”
Sahni S, Hannan MT, Gagnon D, Blumberg J, Cupples LA, Kiel DP, Tucker KL. High Vitamin C Intake Is Associated with Lower 4-Year Bone Loss in Elderly Men. J Nutr. 2008;138:1931-1938.
