Antioxidants and bones

A prospective analysis of 1000 post-menopausal women has revealed that antioxidant supplementation could be as critical to bone health as calcium and vitamin D. When monitored over a 23-year period, the women with the highest levels of oxidative stress (an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidant defences) measured at baseline, had a two and a half times greater risk of hip fracture than those with the lowest levels.

For women wanting to ensure a life with strong healthy bones, an assessment and correction of oxidative stress is vital. Antioxidants are found in abundance in green leafy vegetables, especially the Brassica family (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower), as well as in orange coloured vegetables, such as sweet potato, carrots and pumpkin. Coenzyme Q10, resveratrol, vitamins A, C and E as well as the mineral zinc, are all excellent antioxidant supplements.