Zinc supplementation may be useful in the prevention of osteopenia

Researchers in India have confirmed that supplementing with zinc at the early stages of bone loss can defend against further bone deterioration. The study, published in the Journal of Nutrition & Intermediary Metabolism, evaluated whether adding zinc supplements can affect osteopenia, based on rat models that have been induced with the condition.

• For the study, researchers selected 48 Wistar rats for two batches of the experiment. They were assigned to be either in the control group or the ones that were given zinc supplements. The other two groups both underwent an ovariectomy, with one given with a zinc sulfate supplement.
• The rats were treated for eight weeks, and tissue samples were collected afterward for analysis. In particular, the researchers conducted a histoarchitecture analysis on both bones, as well as electron microscopy. The bone calcium content was also analyzed with the aid of an atomic absorption spectrophotometer.
• Based on the results, there was an improvement in the bone microarchitecture and adiposity in the bone marrow of the ovariectomized rats compared to those that weren’t given supplementation.
• After analysis, the calcium content in the sampled bones also improved after zinc supplementation.

The findings of the study revealed that changes in the bone due to estrogen loss can be addressed by supplementing with zinc.

Find the full text of the study at this link.

Journal Reference:

Bhardwaj P, Rai DV, Garg ML. ZINC INHIBITS OVARIECTOMY INDUCED MICROARCHITECTURAL CHANGES IN THE BONE TISSUE. Journal of Nutrition & Intermediary Metabolism. 2016;3:33–40. DOI: 10.1016/j.jnim.2015.12.333