Dr. Gary’s Nutritional Library

Although osteoporosis may be caused by a variety of factors (endocrine, mechanical and metabolic), it is now believed that there may be an inflammatory component. Osteoporosis is associated with other inflammatory diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus. C-reactive protein blood levels can be used as an indicator of inflammation in osteoporosis.

The subject of this paper is vitamin E and its effects on bone-resorbing cytokines*, especially IL-1 and IL-6. This has been studied in rats, wherein stress caused an increase in IL-1 and in IL-6 (an indicator of inflammation). The results were osteoporotic changes in the rats’ bones. (IL-1 and IL-6 are produced by monocytes of the blood and osteoblasts of bone.)

Vitamin E is a complex of antioxidant chemicals which can be classified as tocopherols and tocotrienols. When the rats were given vitamin E as tocotrienol and alpha-tocopherol, blood levels of IL-1 and IL-6 were lowered and osteoporotic changes in the bones were prevented. Tocotrienols were better than alpha-tocopherol at suppressing levels of inflammatory cytokines.

Smoking is a risk factor for osteoporosis. Nicotine inhibits bone growth (osteoblast activity) and stimulates bone destruction (osteoclastic) activity. Aging is a risk factor for osteoporosis, and inflammatory cytokine levels do tend to increase with age.

CONCLUSION: There is a growing awareness that there is an inflammatory component to osteoporosis. Vitamin E as tocotrienols has stronger anti-osteoporotic activity than tocopherols. This could be due to both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.

NOTE: *Cytokines are tiny protein released by a variety of cells which send signals to other cells and sometimes to itself. Interleukins are among the subcategories of cytokines. IL-1 and IL-6 are pro-inflammatory cytokines.

NOTE: Maintenance of healthy bone involves a balance of bone destruction (osteoblastic) and bone formation (osteoclastic). An imbalance in these two processes can result in bone disease.

To read the author’s abstract of the article, click on the title of the article. Then, to read the full article, click on the full text icon.

PMID: 22162676.

Summary #665.

Disclaimer

You are entering the portion of the website of Rainbow Grocery Cooperative, Inc., that is here “to strive to offer education”, as stated in our Mission Statement. Here we are reporting on scientific studies that are about the value of nutritional supplements and whole foods for our health. We will attempt to report on the latest studies regarding the supplements and foods sold at Rainbow Grocery. The summaries of the articles are our own. These summaries are not intended to promote any particular product or food that Rainbow sells, but only to provide information about them.

You are your own best doctor. Study as much as you can. Consult with your doctor. Find one open to alternatives if your doctor isn’t. Make your own decisions and take responsibility for your own health. We hope this information will help you make your decisions.

We can’t and don’t intend to prescribe for you. We can’t and don’t intend to provide medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Don’t disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

Nothing in this website is intended to create a health practitioner-patient relationship. Reliance on the information provided on this website is solely at your own risk. In using this web site you agree that neither Rainbow Grocery Cooperative, Inc. nor any other party is or will be liable or otherwise responsible for any decision made or any action taken or any action not taken due to your use of any information presented at this web site.

Descargo de responsabilidad

Advertencia sobre el uso de los resúmenes de estudios médicos publicados en este portal:

Usted está entrando a la parte del portal de Internet de la Cooperativa de Rainbow Grocery, Inc. cuyo fin es “procurar ofrecer elementos educativos” tal como lo establece nuestra Declaración de Principios. Lo que aquí se reporta son estudios científicos sobre el valor nutricional de suplementos y alimentos completos para la salud. Trataremos de incluir los estudios más recientes sobre suplementos y productos alimenticios que se expenden en Rainbow Grocery. Los resúmenes de los artículos han sido elaborados por nosotros. Pero su inclusión no tiene como fin promover productos específicos que se venden en Rainbow, sino sólo proporcionar información sobre los mismos.

Usted es su mejor doctor. Estudie e infórmese tanto como le sea posible. Consulte a su médico. Busque uno de mente abierta a alternativas si el actual no lo es. Tome sus propias decisiones y hágase responsable de su salud. Esperamos que la información aquí presentada le ayude a tomar las mejores decisiones.

No podemos ni es nuestra intención ofrecer recetas o proporcionar asesoría médica. Usted siempre debe consultar con su médico u otro proveedor profesional de servicios de salud cuando tenga preguntas relacionadas con su salud. No ignore los consejos profesionales de su médico, ni deje de buscarlos en base a lo que haya leído en nuestro portal.

Nada en este portal tiene la finalidad de crear una relación paciente-profesional de la salud. El uso de la información aquí presentada es bajo su cuenta y riesgo. Al usar este portal, usted acepta que ni la Cooperativa de Rainbow Grocery, Inc. ni tercera partes son responsables de forma alguna por cualqui.