J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2012 Oct;97(10):3792-8.
A Mediterranean diet enriched with olive oil is associated with higher serum total osteocalcin levels in elderly men at high cardiovascular risk.
Fernández-Real JM, Bulló M, Moreno-Navarrete JM, Ricart W, Ros E, Estruch R, Salas-Salvadó J.
Source
Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Nutrition Unit, Hospital Dr. Josep Trueta,
Carretera de França s/n, 17007 Girona, Spain. jmfreal@idibgi.org
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
The intake of olive oil has been related to the prevention of osteoporosis in
experimental and in in vitro models. Very few prospective studies have evaluated
the effects of olive oil intake on circulating osteocalcin (OC) in humans.
OBJECTIVE:
The objective of the study was to examine the longitudinal effects of a low-fat
control diet (n=34), a Mediterranean diet enriched with nuts (MedDiet+nuts,
n=51), or a Mediterranean diet enriched with virgin olive oil (MedDiet+VOO,
n=42) on circulating forms of OC and bone formation markers in elderly men at
high cardiovascular risk.
DESIGN:
Longitudinal associations between baseline and follow-up (2 yr) measurements of
total OC, undercarboxylated osteocalcin, C-telopeptide of type I collagen, and
procollagen I N-terminal propeptide (P1NP) concentrations were examined in 127
elderly men randomized to three healthy dietary interventions.
RESULTS:
Baseline characteristics (age, body mass index, waist circumference, lipid
profile, fasting insulin levels, and bone formation and resorption markers) were
similar in all intervention groups. The total osteocalcin concentration
increased robustly in the MedDiet+VOO group (P=0.007) in parallel to increased
P1NP levels (P=0.01) and homeostasis model assessment-?-cell function (P=0.01)
but not in subjects on the MedDiet+nuts (P=0.32) or after the control diet
(P=0.74). Interestingly, the consumption of olives was associated positively
with both baseline total osteocalcin (r=0.23, P=0.02) and the 2-yr osteocalcin
concentrations (r=0.21, P=0.04) in the total cohort.
CONCLUSIONS:
Consumption of a Mediterranean diet enriched with virgin olive oil for 2 years
is associated with increased serum osteocalcin and P1NP concentrations,
suggesting protective effects on bone.
PMID: 22855341 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID: PMC3462931