Prebiotic corn fiber may improve bone mass in adolescent girls

A study involving 213 children aged 9 to 14 suggests that supplementing diets with soluble corn fiber may help adolescent girls increase their bone mass. Research led by Cristina Palacios at Florida International University focused on participants with insufficient calcium intake.

During the year-long study, participants received either a soluble corn fiber powder or a placebo twice daily. Results indicated that only the girls receiving the fiber supplement showed increased bone mass development. Researchers noted that building bone mass during puberty is critical for long-term health and preventing osteoporosis later in life.

In contrast, a separate systematic review published in Frontiers in Nutrition examined the relationship between yogurt consumption and bone health in adults. The review found that the association between yogurt and fracture prevention is very weak or non-existent in real-world settings. While a slight improvement in mineral density was observed, it was considered clinically negligible.