Examining the effects of prunes on bone health in postmenopausal women
Official title: Effect of Calcium and Vitamin D Supplements and/or Prunes on Bone Health
Run by San Diego State University · NCT06184646 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests if eating 30 grams of prunes every day can help prevent bone loss in postmenopausal women who are also taking calcium and vitamin D supplements.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | San Diego State University Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | prednisone |
| Locations | 1 site (San Diego, California) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 15, 2024 |
| Main results expected | December 2028 |
| Study ends | December 2028 |
| Registry record updated | July 1, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06184646 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are postmenopausal women with a bone mineral density t-score between 0.5 and 2 SD below the mean who are not on hormone replacement therapy or other medications affecting bone health.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with a bone mineral density t-score below 2.5 SD, those on certain medications affecting bone metabolism, smokers, and regular consumers of prunes or prune juice may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study investigates whether the consumption of 30 grams of prunes daily, alongside calcium and vitamin D supplements, can help prevent bone loss in postmenopausal women. Two hundred participants will be randomly assigned to either the prune group or a control group with no prunes, while both groups receive the same calcium and vitamin D supplementation. Blood samples will be collected at baseline, 12, and 24 months to measure biomarkers related to bone turnover, and bone mineral density will be assessed using DXA and pQCT scans at the same intervals. Additionally, participants will provide information on their physical activity and dietary habits to control for potential confounding factors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a natural dietary intervention to help improve bone health in postmenopausal women.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific use of prunes for bone health is novel, other studies have shown positive effects of dietary interventions on bone health, suggesting potential for success.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Postmenopausal * BMD t-score is between 0.5 and 2 SD below the mean * Not on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and/or other pharmacological agents known to affect bone for at least three months prior to initiation of the study Exclusion Criteria: * Women whose BMD t-score at any site falls below 2.5 SD of the mean * Subjects receiving endocrine (e.g., prednisone, other glucocorticoids) or neuroactive (e.g., dilantin, phenobarbital) drugs or any drugs known to influence bone and calcium metabolism * Subjects who smoke cigarettes or vape * Regular consumption of dried plum or prune juice
Where it's running
-
San Diego State University
San Diego, California, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Shirin Hooshmand, PhD — San Diego State University
- Study coordinator: Shirin Hooshmand, PhD
- Email: shooshmand@sdsu.edu
- Phone: 619-594-6823
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.