1.
Botanicals in Postmenopausal Osteoporosis.
Słupski, W, Jawień, P, Nowak, B
Nutrients. 2021;13(5)
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One of the main age-associated hormonal imbalances women experience during peri- and post-menopause is osteoporosis. Oestrogen plays a protective role in maintaining bone mineral density, so a decrease in this hormone that naturally occurs with menopause leads to an increased risk of osteoporosis. Due to the various side effects associated with pharmaceutical drugs, many women seek complementary or alternative treatments during menopause. The aim of this review is to present the current information on the efficacy and mechanism of plant-derived compounds in modulating menopause-associated bone metabolism. The main plant compounds that have been studied in detail are phytoestrogens, specifically isoflavones. The literature shows these compounds not only prevent bone resorption, but also promote bone formation. This review also highlights the many biologically plausible mechanisms by which these compounds influence bone metabolism. According to these findings, the authors conclude there are many bioactive, plant-based compounds that may be useful alternative therapies for peri- and post-menopausal women experiencing osteoporosis. While there is promising potential therapeutic use for these botanicals, further clinical research is needed.
Abstract
Osteoporosis is a systemic bone disease characterized by reduced bone mass and the deterioration of bone microarchitecture leading to bone fragility and an increased risk of fractures. Conventional anti-osteoporotic pharmaceutics are effective in the treatment and prophylaxis of osteoporosis, however they are associated with various side effects that push many women into seeking botanicals as an alternative therapy. Traditional folk medicine is a rich source of bioactive compounds waiting for discovery and investigation that might be used in those patients, and therefore botanicals have recently received increasing attention. The aim of this review of literature is to present the comprehensive information about plant-derived compounds that might be used to maintain bone health in perimenopausal and postmenopausal females.
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Creatine Supplementation in Women's Health: A Lifespan Perspective.
Smith-Ryan, AE, Cabre, HE, Eckerson, JM, Candow, DG
Nutrients. 2021;13(3)
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Creatine supplementation in females has been largely understudied. Changes in creatine homeostasis naturally occur across the lifecycle, and recent findings suggest supplementation may be important during different phases of a woman's lifespan. The aim of this review was to highlight the current findings around creatine metabolism in females from young adulthood to old age. The literature indicates creatine supplementation in females may improve exercise performance, pregnancy outcomes, cognitive performance, and reduce mental fatigue. Based on these findings, the authors conclude creatine supplementation has a potentially positive implication for numerous metabolic, hormonal, and neurological outcomes for females. They suggest future studies should evaluate creatine supplementation and metabolism with respect to the menstrual and reproductive cycle.
Abstract
Despite extensive research on creatine, evidence for use among females is understudied. Creatine characteristics vary between males and females, with females exhibiting 70-80% lower endogenous creatine stores compared to males. Understanding creatine metabolism pre- and post-menopause yields important implications for creatine supplementation for performance and health among females. Due to the hormone-related changes to creatine kinetics and phosphocreatine resynthesis, supplementation may be particularly important during menses, pregnancy, post-partum, during and post-menopause. Creatine supplementation among pre-menopausal females appears to be effective for improving strength and exercise performance. Post-menopausal females may also experience benefits in skeletal muscle size and function when consuming high doses of creatine (0.3 g·kg-1·d-1); and favorable effects on bone when combined with resistance training. Pre-clinical and clinical evidence indicates positive effects from creatine supplementation on mood and cognition, possibly by restoring brain energy levels and homeostasis. Creatine supplementation may be even more effective for females by supporting a pro-energetic environment in the brain. The purpose of this review was to highlight the use of creatine in females across the lifespan with particular emphasis on performance, body composition, mood, and dosing strategies.
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Sex and menopausal status influence human dietary requirements for the nutrient choline.
Fischer, LM, daCosta, KA, Kwock, L, Stewart, PW, Lu, TS, Stabler, SP, Allen, RH, Zeisel, SH
The American journal of clinical nutrition. 2007;85(5):1275-85
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Choline is used to form cell membranes, and it is a precursor for the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Other than from the diet, choline can also be derived from the de novo biosynthesis of phosphatidylcholine. The current Adequate Intake for choline is considered sufficient to prevent deficiency, however an Estimated Average Requirement cannot be generated due to lack of availability of adequate human data. The aim of this study was to evaluate the dietary choline requirement in healthy men and women (pre- and postmenopausal), and to identify the clinical and metabolic sequelae of choline deficiency. Fifty-seven adult participants (26 healthy men, 16 premenopausal women and 15 postmenopausal women) were recruited for the study. A randomised double-blind protocol was followed to assign participants in one of the 2 arms; folate only (100 DFE) vs a dietary supplement of 400μg folic acid/d (768 DFE). Results show that independent of folate status, most men and postmenopausal women developed liver or muscle dysfunction when fed a low-choline diet, whereas premenopausal women were more resistant to developing such organ dysfunction. AP activity increased in all subjects in response to the low-choline diet regardless of whether they manifested organ dysfunction. Liver and muscle dysfunction occurred in response to a low-choline diet in both men and women. The current AI for choline was not be sufficient for some of the participants who became depleted despite this level of intake.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although humans require dietary choline for methyl donation, membrane function, and neurotransmission, choline can also be derived from the de novo synthesis of phosphatidylcholine, which is up-regulated by estrogen. A recommended Adequate Intake (AI) exists for choline; however, an Estimated Average Requirement has not been set because of a lack of sufficient human data. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to evaluate the dietary requirements for choline in healthy men and women and to investigate the clinical sequelae of choline deficiency. DESIGN Fifty-seven adult subjects (26 men, 16 premenopausal women, 15 postmenopausal women) were fed a diet containing 550 mg choline x 70 kg(-1) x d(-1) for 10 d followed by <50 mg choline x 70 kg(-1) x d(-1) with or without a folic acid supplement (400 microg/d per randomization) for up to 42 d. Subjects who developed organ dysfunction during this diet had normal organ function restored after incremental amounts of choline were added back to the diet. Blood and urine were monitored for signs of toxicity and metabolite concentrations, and liver fat was assessed by using magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS When deprived of dietary choline, 77% of men and 80% of postmenopausal women developed fatty liver or muscle damage, whereas only 44% of premenopausal women developed such signs of organ dysfunction. Moreover, 6 men developed these signs while consuming 550 mg choline x 70 kg(-1) x d(-1), the AI for choline. Folic acid supplementation did not alter the subjects' response. CONCLUSION Subject characteristics (eg, menopausal status) modulated the dietary requirement for choline, and a daily intake at the current AI was not sufficient to prevent organ dysfunction in 19 of the subjects.