Researchers study links between bone health and alcohol in older women

Researchers at Oregon State University are trying to determine whether moderate alcohol consumption might actually be good for bone health in older women.

Previous studies have shown that heavy alcohol use is bad for bone health, but there is growing evidence that moderate alcohol consumption might slow bone loss, more so than in those who abstain from drinking altogether.

OSU graduate student Jill Marrone, who is leading the study, said another OSU study conducted by Professor Russell Turner revealed that in rats, moderate alcohol consumption slowed their bone turnover, but no similar studies have been conducted in humans.

That's why she's seeking 50 women under the age of 65 who are post-menopausal, and who drink between five to 10 alcoholic drinks per week.

Marrone explained that bones are constantly breaking down and reforming in a process called turnover, but after menopause, bone turnover increases as estrogen levels decrease. But the breaking down of bone begins to happen faster than the subsequent buildup, leaving bones less dense and more fragile.

"Our hypothesis is that bone turnover is suppressed (by moderate drinking)," Marrone said, slowing the loss of bone density in older women.

By testing the subjects' blood and urine while they maintain their normal drinking routine, and then having them abstain from drinking for two weeks, researchers will be able to chart the amount of bone turnover by protein evidence found in their bodies.

The subjects will have an initial bone scan and answer questions to determine their overall health and whether or not they suffer from osteoporosis. The women chosen will then come in about four times over six weeks to give more blood and urine samples.

Marrone will be working with Turner as well as faculty members Gianni Maddalozzo and Urszula Iwaniec. The study will begin as soon as enough women have been recruited for the research.

To participate, contact Marrone at 737-5935 or marronej@onid.orst.edu .