The Effect of Quercetin on Bone Turnover Markers, Inflammatory Markers, and Bone Mineral Density in Postmenopausal Women: A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Investigation

Authors

Alyssa R. Bailly, University of New MexicoFollow
Garrett M. Hester, Kennesaw State University
Robert J. Buresh, Kennesaw State University
Michaela M. Alesi, Virginia Tech
Jeremy B. Ducharme, University of New Mexico
Christine M. Mermier, University of New Mexico
Trisha A. VanDusseldorp, Bonafide Health

Abstract

Maintaining optimal bone health prevents major bone disorders (e.g., osteoporosis) and prolongs longevity. Quercetin is a plant-based flavonoid that is suggested to have anti-inflammatory effects and may improve bone health. PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of quercetin supplementation over 90-days on prominent bone turnover markers (BTMs), inflammatory markers, bone mineral density (BMD), body composition, and physical functioning in postmenopausal women. METHODS: Thirty-three healthy, nonosteoporotic, postmenopausal women (59.2±7.0 years) participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled investigation. Participants were randomized into one of two supplement groups: 1) 500 mg of quercetin (QUE) once daily or 2) 500 mg of methylcellulose (placebo; PLB) once daily. Pre- and post-testing visits included assessments of BTMs (i.e., osteocalcin [OC], procollagen type-I N-terminal propeptide [PINP], and type-I collagen cross-linked C-terminal telopeptide [CTX]), inflammatory markers (i.e., interleukin [IL]-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-a], and C-reactive protein [CRP]), BMD measurements, body composition measurements (i.e., body fat percentage), and physical function. RESULTS: The QUE group increased OC (p=0.016; d=0.89), PINP (p=0.030; d=0.64), and CTX (p=0.023; d=0.91) levels and decreased IL-6 (p=0.045; d=0.73) and TNF-a (p=0.021; d=0.90) levels compared to PLB. CRP (p=0.448; d=0.34), BMD, body composition, and physical function remained unchanged. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that QUE may maintain optimal bone health by mediating bone formation and decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Recommended Citation

Bailly, Alyssa R.; Hester, Garrett M.; Buresh, Robert J.; Alesi, Michaela M.; Ducharme, Jeremy B.; Mermier, Christine M.; and VanDusseldorp, Trisha A. (2022) "The Effect of Quercetin on Bone Turnover Markers, Inflammatory Markers, and Bone Mineral Density in Postmenopausal Women: A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Investigation," International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 14: Iss. 2, Article 15.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol14/iss2/15