Blackcurrants Modify Gut Microbiota and Reduce Osteoporosis Risk in Postmenopausal Females

Inclusion criteria

• postmenopausal (defined as no more than 10 years since final menstrual cycle) females aged 45-70 years
• not on hormone replacement therapy for at least one year before initiation of the study
• maintaining normal exercise level (\< 7 hours/week) and willing to avoid exercise for 24 hours prior to blood and stool sampling
• willing to ingest a dietary blackcurrant supplement or placebo (up to 1,176 mg/day, three 392mg capsules)
• willing to avoid other dietary supplements for the duration of the study
• willing to avoid intake of foods extremely rich in anthocyanins and fermented dairy products containing viable Bifidobacteria or Lactobacilli
• willing to have three blood draws, three stool collections, and three bone scans

Exclusion criteria

• history of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, metabolic bone disease, cancer, diabetes mellitus, arthritis, or other chronic inflammatory diseases
• current smokers
• taking prescription medications known to alter bone and calcium metabolism
• taking anabolic agents such as parathyroid hormone or growth hormone, or steroid within 3 months before the start of the study
• taking medications that alter bleeding (such as antiplatelets or anticoagulants) or those with a bleeding disorder
• alcohol consumption exceeding 2 drinks/day (approximately 14g of ethanol per drink) or a total of 12/week
• those with planned surgery during the study period or within 2 weeks of ending the intervention
• those with sensitivities or allergies to any of the ingredients for the placebo (rice powder)
• planning a procedure that includes iodine, barium or nuclear medicine isotopes within the study period
• UConn students and/or employees who any key personnel teach or who report to any key personnel
• study key personnel, partners of key personnel, or dependents/relatives of any key personnel