The latest research in bone health
What we know about bone health is always changing as technology advances and scientists test cutting-edge solutions. Research can inspire new treatments, methods, and ways of thinking about how we might tackle the challenges facing bone health.
The most common bone disease today is osteoporosis, which affects one in three women and one in five men over the age of 50 worldwide. Adults younger than 50 can also experience inadequate bone mineral density, with fracturing and bone breakage posing as a continual risk for all ages.
Science is always evolving, and with it, our understanding of bone health keeps getting better. While new discoveries shape the future, the latest research offers valuable takeaways you can use right now. Here are some fascinating studies that shed light on keeping your bones strong and healthy—because staying informed is one of the best ways to take charge of your health!
New maternal hormone shows promise for strong bones
Researchers have discovered a new hormone that helps women maintain strong bones while breastfeeding, and could be considered for use in treating bone fractures and osteoporosis. In 2019, it was determined that the presence of an unidentified hormone in female mice was linked to large increases in bone mass.
In 2024, the anonymous hormone was revealed to be CCN3—suitably named the Maternal Brain Hormone, since it is only found present when lactation occurs (and why it was not found in male mice). When implemented for testing, CCN3 was shown to stimulate the growth of bone cells and even more than double bone mass in some cases.
The question of how breastfeeding women maintain bone strength has always been somewhat of a mystery, considering milk production draws calcium away from the bones. The excitement surrounding CCN3 is that it may have an answer to this age-old question—and also provide new pathways in problem solving for bone health.
A link between the gut microbiome and bone health
Although the gut microbiome is primarily responsible for regulating activity within the digestive system, its influence often extends to other systems and areas of the body.
Science draws clear connections between gut health and the immune system, metabolic health, mental health, and as a growing amount of research may indicate: bone health. A recent publication on the relationship between bone health and the gut microbiome outlined that what happens in the gut has both a direct and indirect effect on bone health.
For example, hormones like IGF-1 and PTH, which play significant roles in the processes of bone growth and development, are modulated by the gut microbiome. The gut microbiota can indirectly impact bone remodeling through the action of the immune system and the production of inflammatory cytokines.
As the new cross-disciplinary field known as "osteomicrobiology" grows, continued research aims to pinpoint how the link between gut health and bone health can be utilized as a tool for restorative methods in bone health.
Leading the way in regenerative methods for bone tissue
Scientists in Scotland have been focusing on how to maximize the benefits of applying growth factors to facilitate bone repair. Growth factors are naturally occurring proteins that regulate cell division and survival, and can help stimulate tissue repair.
Although growth factor treatments are not new, in years of regenerative work this is the first time these researchers have been able to replicate controlled bone formation. This is a breakthrough that directly counters the primary downside of these treatments, with the chance of growth occurring outside the bounds of where bone repair is needed.
While delivering impressive results, these potential unwanted side effects limit growth factor therapies as a sure solution. As researchers further their efforts to contain overgrowth, these early trials are hopeful and encouraging for the possibilities of bone regeneration.
How to support bone health
While research is active on the forefront of improvement, the time to take care of your bones is always now! Prevention is the best practice when it comes to bone health, but you can also reap ongoing benefits by making bone maintenance a habit now.
Some tips for supporting bone health:
Exercise
Your bones are designed to move—so move! Try weight-bearing activities like jogging, hiking, or even just adding weights to your workout. Staying active communicates to your bones that they are needed, and in turn will strengthen themselves to meet the demands of physical activity.
Diet
Like the rest of our body, our bones need constant nourishment from the foods we eat. You can support healthy bones by maintaining a diverse, nutrient-dense diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein. This means getting in calcium, vitamin D, magnesium, zinc, protein, and other nutrients that act as the building blocks of strong bones.
Supplements
Even with a balanced diet, sometimes it can still be difficult to get the nutrition our body needs from food. Bone supplements like Bone Complex are an excellent alternative for when your meals aren't cutting it. Give Bone Complex a try for comprehensive, natural bone support—that tastes good too!
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