Introduction
bone disease, fractures, Osteoporosis
BONE DISEASE, FRAGILITY, OSTEOPOROSIS
Osteoporosis is the most common bone disease in older adults, characterized by low bone mass and increased fragility that can result in fractures at the spine, hip, or wrist [Blueberries (Vaccinium spp.) are rich in polyphenols, including anthocyanins, phenolic acids, and flavan-3-ols [More recent preclinical studies suggest that the metabolites arising from bacterial fermentation of BB polyphenolics may be, in part, responsible for the bone-protective effects of BB. For instance, 3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-propionic acid (3-OH-PPA) in mice increased bone volume, trabecular thickness, and osteoblastic cell number while decreasing the number of osteoclasts in vivo, and promoted cell differentiation toward osteoblasts in vitro [The aims of our studies were as follows: 