Posted on 7th Dec 2009 @ 12:45 PM

A recent study by the National Research Centre in Cairo has found that Flaxeed Oil may reduce the risk of osteoporosis in women with diabetes and those who are post-menopausal.  The study suggests that flaxseed oil has a beneficial effect on bone mineral density and reduces markers associated with osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is categorised by low bone mass leading to an increased risk of fractures.  Approximately 75 million people suffer from it in Europe, the US and Japan alone.  Women are four times more likely to develop osteoporosis than men and it previous research indictaes that diabetes decreases bone turnover which is associated with impaired osteoblastic maturation and function.

The study on rats found that the diabetic group that where given flaxseed oil in their diet showed that their bone mineral density and content were reduced and normalised. 

They also found that the levels of deoxypyridinoline in the urine, normally present in healthy bone, were raised in the diabetic group before supplementing with Flaxseed Oil.  This is often associated with osteoporosis.  Post supplementation with Flaxseed Oil, the levels of deoxypyridinoline fell.

The researches stated that "The presence of so-called 'n-3 fatty acids' in flaxseed oil may play a role in protecting the processes of matrix formation and bone mineralization, which apparently are compromised by diabetes and the menopause".

Further research was recommended and we will keep you up to date with any developments as and when they arise.