Green Tea Extracts Plus Vitamin D May Boost Bone Health
Not too long ago, bone loss was thought to be an inevitable part of aging. Today, we know that although bone loss is a common occurrence in the elderly, making timely changes to diet and lifestyles can minimize the risk of bone loss during the aging process. Extensive research on herbs and nutrients has also introduced to us an endless array of possibilities for manufacturing a wider range of innovative nutritional supplement options for those who want to improve bone health.
The market for bone health supplements is broad and shows great potential for further growth. Both men and women suffer from bone loss. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), by the year 2020, 50 percent of Americans aged 50 and above will suffer from bone loss and will be at risk for fractures. The CDC has also bracketed people who may have a higher risk of suffering from bone loss, and therefore may considered the likely target market for bone health supplements:
Girls aged 9 to 12
Post-menopausal women
Older adults
Those whose diets are low in calcium
Research Shows Green Tea and Vitamin D May Boost Bone Health
A combination of green tea polyphenols and Vitamin D in the form of 1-alpha-OH-vitamin D3 (alfacalcidol) is believed to have protective effects on bone microstructure and strength. In a study published in The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry (October 2010), scientists in Texas conducted an experiment on rats that were administered lipopolysaccharides to induce chronic inflammation. The rats were then administered a combination of green tea polyphenols and alfaclcidol. The study showed that this combination was able to reverse detrimental changes to the bone caused by chronic inflammation. Scientists concluded that green tea polyphenols and alfacalcidol may help to strengthen bone structure and improve bone health.
In an earlier study, the same research team had found epidemiological evidence showing a link between green tea consumption and prevention of age-related bone loss in elderly men and women. The study published in The Nutrition Research (July 2009) showed a correlation between green tea and bone metabolism. Scientists believe that the bioactive components found in green tea may be beneficial in improving bone mineral density, supporting osteoblastic activities and suppressing osteoclastic activities, thereby decreasing the risk of fractures in the elderly.
In addition to supporting bone health, both green tea and Vitamin D3 independently, are known for their numerous health benefits.
Both green tea and Vitamin D play a role in boosting immune health. Each shows benefits for protecting heart and skin health.
Green tea is famous for its powerful antioxidants called epigallocatecchin gallate, commonly called EGCG. EGCG helps to support cellular health and exhibits anti-vital and anti-bacterial properties. Because of its thermogenic properties, green tea extracts are popularly used in weight loss supplements.
Ongoing research on Vitamin D shows that its health benefits go well beyond the scope of bone health. A deficiency in Vitamin D has been linked to several chronic ailments including depression, type II diabetes, chronic weakness and blood pressure.