Natural Dietary Antioxidants and Bone Health

Abstract

Antioxidants, natural or synthetic, may protect cell damage during oxidative stress. Natural antioxidants in foods are attributed to better health and quality of life. Several natural antioxidants are believed to reduce oxidation in cell or lipid peroxidation. Bone health is important for quality of life across the lifespan. Various factors including genetic abnormalities, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal disorders, sedentary lifestyles, and smoking can affect bone health. Oxidative stress is involved in the development of major bone diseases such as osteoporosis. Therefore, it is intuitive that bone health can be promoted by improving the antioxidant status of individuals/populations. In this chapter, the radiological evidence and potential mechanisms through which natural dietary antioxidants improve bone health are discussed. The experimental evidence of foods and food-derived bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties and the potential molecular mechanisms of action are also presented. It is believed that this broad approach is useful in improving bone health through population-based approaches such as development of dietary guidelines and nutraceutical strategies.