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Prune Consumption and Bone Health in Older Men: A One-Year Randomized Controlled Trial
Lauren T Ormsbee1, Neda S Akhavan1,2, Joseph Munoz1
1Department of Health, Nutrition, and Food Sciences, College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA.
Nutrients
|June 26, 2026
Summary
Prune supplementation did not improve bone mineral density in older men with osteopenia. While some biomarkers changed, prunes did not offer additional bone health benefits beyond calcium and vitamin D.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Nutritional Science
- Bone Metabolism
Background:
- Millions of older adults have low bone mass, with male bone health being under-researched.
- Osteopenia affects many older men, increasing fracture risk.
- Prunes are a potential dietary intervention for bone health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of one-year prune supplementation on bone health in older men.
- To assess prune supplementation in men susceptible to or with osteopenia.
Main Methods:
- 59 men (55-80 years) were randomized into three groups: 100g prunes, 50g prunes, or control (multivitamin only).
- All participants received calcium and vitamin D3 daily.
- Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured using DXA scans; blood samples were collected over 12 months.
Main Results:
- No significant changes in total or lumbar spine BMD were observed in any group after one year.
- Osteoprotegerin (OPG) decreased more in the control group than prune groups.
- Sclerostin (SOST) and Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-5b (TRAP5b) increased in all groups, with greater increases in the control group for TRAP5b.
Conclusions:
- Prune supplementation did not enhance bone density in older men with osteopenia beyond calcium and vitamin D3.
- Observed changes in biomarkers (OPG, TRAP5b) did not translate to measurable BMD improvements.
- Further research is required to understand prunes' role in male bone metabolism.
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