ABSTRACT

Antioxidants have long been touted as an insurance against cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic ailments. Much less attention has been given to the ability of antioxidants to protect against accelerated bone mineral loss and bone fracture. Now that robust evidence has burst the bubble of exuberant expectations for the health bene„ts of antioxidants, more sober considerations still point to an important role of antioxidants in foods for the protection of bone health. Consistent experimental and clinical evidence leaves little doubt that several food-derived antioxidants protect critical events in bone cell differentiation and function. The most important question for every individual is then whether additional intakes can improve bone health and reduce fracture risk. A slowly growing number of high-quality human studies can now provide some answers and guide the selection of healthy foods for strong bones.