Berries derived Polyphenols and Bone Health: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Science
• Bone Biology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Osteoporosis pathogenesis involves oxidative stress and inflammation.
• Berries contain polyphenols, particularly anthocyanins, with potential bone-modulating properties.
• This review is the first to comprehensively synthesize evidence on berries and bone health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and synthesize evidence on the effects of berries and berry-derived compounds on bone health.
• To integrate human, animal, and in vitro data using the GRADE framework.
• To assess the certainty of evidence for berry consumption and bone outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search across major databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library) up to April 2025.
• Inclusion of human, animal, and in vitro studies investigating berries/compounds and bone outcomes.
• Risk of bias assessment and GRADE certainty appraisal of human evidence.

Main Results:

• Nineteen studies (5 human, 9 in vivo, 5 in vitro) were included.
• Observational data suggest higher anthocyanin intake correlates with greater bone mineral density (BMD).
• Limited human trials show modest effects on BMD and bone turnover markers; animal and in vitro studies indicate protective effects against bone loss.

Conclusions:

• Berry polyphenols may support skeletal health through antioxidant and anti-resorptive mechanisms.
• Current clinical evidence is limited by small sample sizes, heterogeneity, and lack of fracture data.
• Larger, standardized randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are necessary to establish dietary recommendations.