Attenuation of Osteoporosis by n-3 Lipids and Soy Protein

Osteoporosis has become a major health and economic issue in our fast-growing elderly population (1–3). After attaining peak bone mass between the ages of 20 and 30, both men and women start losing bone at a rate of about 0.5–1% per year (4). In the United States alone, nearly $14 billion is spent each year for treatment of complications of osteoporosis (5). As life expectancy increases, there will be an increase in the financial burden on society. It is estimated that by the year 2050, the cost of osteoporosis-related treatments will increase to $131 billion (6). Osteoporosis is characterized by decreased bone mineral density resulting in susceptibility to fractures with minor to moderate trauma. Osteoporosis has been divided into two types (7). Type I osteoporosis, also designated postmenopausal osteoporosis, is the result of estrogen deficiency, whereas type II osteoporosis occurs in the entire aging population of both men and women.