The Influence of Fish Bone Powders on the Bone Density in Corticosteroid-Induced Osteoporosis Rats

The adequacy of calcium from food consumption is difficult to meet because of its low absorption rate, causing an increased risk of osteoporosis. One of the ways to increase calcium absorption is to increase its solubility by decreasing its particle size. This study aimed to observe the influence of particle size and mineral composition of various fish bone powders on bone density enhancement after oral administration to corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis rats.

The test stages carried out include manufacturing fish bone flour and nanonization, characterization (particle size and nutritional content), conducting experimental tests on rats using blood serum samples, and observing bone growth and density. The types of fish studied were catfish, snakehead fish, mackerel, and snapper.

Nanonization processing has been proven to reduce the size of flour particles, increase its nutritional and mineral content, and maximize the calcium absorption rate in rats. The results of the test on experimental animals induced osteoporosis showed that rats given the intervention of milling snapper fish bone meal produced the best outcomes in body length, body mass index, calcium, magnesium, and serum phosphorus (P<0.05). While in bone parameters, catfish bone meal was the most optimal in encouraging bone density percentage.

In conclusion, to increase serum minerals and bone density optimally, in addition to reducing particle size, the ratio of mineral content also needs to be considered.