In the news: Prunes May Be a Boon to Bone Health; Echinacea for Kids’ URIs, Ear Infections?

Daily Dried Prunes Linked to Stronger Bones

A yearlong randomized controlled trial found that daily prune consumption slows bone loss connected to osteoporosis(1). The study, which was conducted by Penn State researchers, showed that prune consumption impacted factors related to fracture risk – potentially a clinically important finding.

Bone is a dynamic structure, constantly in the process of remodeling. Specialized bone cells (osteoclasts and osteoblasts) remove old bone while replacing it with new bone tissue. With age, the body breaks down bone faster than it can be rebuilt. That can lead to structural changes, lower bone density, and osteoporosis.

Chronic inflammation can weaken bone by disrupting the bone remodeling process, leading to increased bone break down and decreased formation.

Prunes are thought to be helpful in that they contain bioactive polyphenols that may blunt the inflammatory pathways that lead to bone loss. Additionally, prunes provide vitamin K, the minerals magnesium and copper, and fiber – nutrients which positively impact bone mineral density.

In the study, 225 postmenopausal women were divided into three groups: one asked to eat 50 g of dried prunes daily (4-6 prunes), another who consumed 100 g (10-12 prunes) or those who ate their usual diet (controls).

All of the women were followed for 12 months, during which 3D bone density and geometric bone scans were performed to assess bone quality and strength as well as density.

Over the study, women eating at least 4-6 prunes each day maintained bone density, bone strength and preserved bone structure, particularly in cortical bone. In contrast, measures of bone mass density and bone strength at the tibia, or shin bone, all decreased in the control group.

“Maintenance of cortical bone and bone strength is key to avoiding fracture”, according to the authors. While women in both prune groups saw benefits, 4-6 prunes a day may be the more feasible dose. Women in the 100-gram group dropped out of the study at a higher rate due to the difficulty of including so many prunes into their daily diet.

For those who want to incorporate prunes into their diet, starting with a smaller amount and increasing gradually can help minimize or avoid GI effects such as gas and bloating.

Review Finds Echinacea Useful for URIs in Kids

Many parents turn to the herb echinacea purpurea when their children have an upper respiratory infection (URI) such as a cold or flu, or for common ear infections (otitis media).

However, while some studies show benefits like reducing the odds of getting a cold or shortening its duration in adults, research regarding its effectiveness in children is mixed.

This led university researchers to further evaluate this botanical’s efficacy and safety in this age group. The team analyzed 9 randomized trials that included over 1,500 children aged 1-12.

While one analytical method employed showed improvements in URIs (reducing duration and frequency), the best analytical method used showed only a reduction in antibiotic use. The authors suggest that echinacea may help reduce the frequency of ear infections, but that it’s unlikely to speed recovery(2).

The authors call for more high-quality trials of this botanical in children to further assess its usefulness and safety in colds, flu and ear infections.

References

1. Koltun KJ, et al. Prunes preserve cortical density and estimated strength of the tibia in a 12-month randomized controlled trial in post-menopausal women: The Prune Study. Osteoporosis Int. 35:863–875, 2024.
2. Phan TP, et al. Efficacy and safety of Echinacea purpurea in treating upper respiratory infections and complications of otitis media in children: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinc Nutr ESPEN. 67:702-713, 2025.