Daily prune intake may help protect against fractures in postmenopausal women, according to a study reported in Osteoporosis International. The research adds to a growing body of evidence that dietary choices can influence bone health during the years when fracture risk rises for many women.
Bone regeneration relies on two cell types with opposing roles: cells that dismantle old bone and cells that build new bone. As people age, an imbalance between these activities can thin bones and raise fracture risk. This imbalance tends to affect women more than men, and menopause often marks a notable shift toward higher fracture susceptibility.
In the trial, researchers followed 235 postmenopausal women over a year and divided them into three groups. One group did not eat prunes, the second group consumed 50 grams of prunes daily (roughly four to six fruits), and the third group consumed 100 grams daily (about ten to twelve fruits). Each participant underwent six-month CT imaging to monitor changes in bone structure and density.
Across the study period, bone density declined in the group that avoided prunes. Those who included prunes in their daily diet maintained bone strength, with the 50-gram group showing a clear protective effect comparable to the higher intake group for the measured outcomes. The findings suggest that a modest daily portion of prunes can help support bone integrity in postmenopausal women and potentially reduce fracture risk over time.
The authors noted that their results were enhanced by employing a specialized CT technique that enabled three-dimensional assessment of bone architecture. This approach provided a more precise evaluation of bone strength and its changes over the year, offering a deeper understanding of how prune consumption may influence bone quality beyond simple density measurements.
One possible explanation for the positive impact is the presence of polyphenols in prunes. These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties that may help preserve bone remodeling balance, potentially slowing the loss of bone mass that accompanies aging. Inflammation can play a role in bone turnover, and dietary polyphenols are increasingly recognized for their potential to support skeletal health as part of a balanced diet.
While the study points to promising benefits, researchers emphasize the need for additional work to confirm long-term outcomes and to determine whether these findings extend to broader populations. Future trials could examine different prune quantities, durations, and the combination of prune intake with other lifestyle factors known to influence bone health, such as physical activity and calcium intake. Such research would help clarify how prune consumption fits within comprehensive strategies for osteoporosis prevention and bone maintenance for postmenopausal women.
Overall, the study contributes valuable evidence that everyday foods can play a meaningful role in preserving bone health. Prunes are convenient, nutrient-dense fruits that offer more than natural sweetness. Their potential benefits for bone strength align with a broader emphasis on whole-food patterns that support skeletal well-being across diverse populations in North America.