Frontline: Bone health; lower heart disease risk; US breast cancer cases
Blackcurrant Could Help Protect Bone Health in Older Women
Blackcurrant supplements may help reduce bone loss in peri- and post-menopausal women, according to a study published in the November issue of the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry. Researchers administered blackcurrant powder capsules daily to 40 women between ages 45 and 60 over six months. The results showed that blackcurrant helped prevent bone mineral density loss, with those taking two capsules per day even showing an increase in bone density. The supplement appeared to work by lowering certain proteins, such as interleukin-1 beta and RANKL, which are linked to bone breakdown. Additionally, the study indicated changes in the gut microbiome, with an increase in beneficial bacteria that may support bone health. These promising findings highlight blackcurrant as a potential natural alternative to traditional osteoporosis medications, which often come with side effects that discourage long-term use. Researchers report that these findings could potentially lead to safer, more accessible options for bone health in aging women.
Antibody Levels Linked to Lower Heart Disease Risk in Older Women
Higher levels of a specific anti-inflammatory antibody, IgM anti-PC, may protect older women against cardiovascular disease (CVD), according to a study published in October 2024 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. Researchers measured this antibody in over 900 women with an average age of 67 and tracked their heart health for 16 years. They discovered that women with higher levels of IgM anti-PC had a significantly lower risk of developing CVD, including heart attacks and strokes, than those with lower levels. Low levels of IgM anti-PC were linked to a higher risk of artery inflammation, which can lead to atherosclerosis (artery plaque buildup) and heart disease. This antibody could serve as a new marker for assessing CVD risk, offering a potential tool for early prevention. The research team also suggests that these findings could help develop a vaccine to protect against heart disease in the future, making it a hopeful step toward better heart health for women.
U.S. Breast Cancer Cases on the Rise Despite Declining Death Rates
The incidence of breast cancer in the U.S. is on the rise despite declining death rates, according to the American Cancer Society’s biennial report on the state of the disease, released in October. For women over 50, breast cancer incidence rates have been rising, but at a slower rate of 0.7 percent per year compared with younger women under 50, who are experiencing a faster increase of 1.4 percent per year. The overall breast cancer mortality rate has declined by 44 percent from 1989 to 2022, benefiting many older women due to advancements in early detection and treatment. The study encourages a proactive approach, with recent guidance from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force advising women to start breast cancer screenings at age 40, two years earlier than previous recommendations. This shift aims to catch cancer earlier, potentially benefiting many women, especially those over 50.
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