The effect of spiny lobster shell powder on bone metabolism in ovariectomized osteoporotic model rats

Calcium has been found to be indispensable in the prevention of osteoporosis. Recently, there has been a great deal of research into the best way to consume calcium. In this study, the effect of "powdered lobster shell" on bone metabolism was examined in ovariectomized osteoporotic model rats. This powder has a good flavor and taste, and contains high quantities of calcium. Six-week-old SD-strain female rats were ovariectomized and were fed a low Ca diet (0.01% Ca and 0.3% P) for 32 days. Thereafter, the rats were divided into two groups; the control group was fed a control diet (0.3% Ca and 0.3% P) and an experimental group, the lobster group, was fed a lobster shell powder diet (0.3% Ca and 0.3% P) ad libitum for 30 days. The results were as follows: in comparison with the control group, the lobster group had significant increases in (1) bone mineral density [BMD (DEXA Hologic's QDR-1000] of lumbar spines and tibial proximal metaphyses, which are mainly trabecular bones, and BMD of tibial diaphyses, which is a mainly cortical bone, (2) the breaking force and energy of femur. These results suggests the lobster shell powder could be a valuable source of dietary calcium in increasing BMD, breaking force and energy in osteoporotic model rats.