ROSEVILLE, CALIF. — The California Prune Board (CPB) is promoting recently published scientific data supporting a connection between prunes and bone health.

A paper published in the journal Advances in Nutrition found the bone-protective effects of prunes in postmenopausal women are connected to the fruit’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as its impact on the gut microbiota. Another study, published in the journal Nutrients, found three months of regular prune consumption may improve bone health in men over 50.

Additional studies are underway in the United States, Australia and South Korea that are examining the impact of prune consumption on bone health. Potential compounds responsible for the connection include boron, potassium, copper and vitamin K, according to the CPB. Prunes also are rich in phenolic compounds, which may inhibit bone breakdown and stimulate bone formation.

“We are aiming to better understand the role of prunes in this cycle that is strongly correlated to gut health, inflammation, and oxidative states,” said Andrea Giancoli, nutrition adviser at the CPB.

The CPB’s research is guided by an independent advisory panel consisting of researchers and nutrition experts from Tufts University, Cleveland Clinic, Pennsylvania State University, University of Minnesota and San Diego State University.