Silicon in Beer May Prevent Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a progressive bone condition that causes bones to thin and become porous, eventually making bones fragile and prone to breaking. A serious health condition, osteoporosis does not have symptoms until the the later stages, when bones start to break. Osteoporosis can usually be prevented with proper nutrition and exercise. The University of California has discovered an unexpected source of nutrition for bone health - beer. To be more specific, the silicon in beer may contribute to bone health.

Beer and healthy beverage are not usually words heard in the same sentence, but beer is apparently a rich source of silicon, which is a good mineral for bone health. Researchers found that dietary silicon, found in beer, may help to prevent bone thinning and osteoporosis.

Dietary silicon may be important for the growth and development of connective tissues and bones, according to the National Institute of Health (NIH). The barley husks used in the processing of the beer offer the bone building silicon to the beverage. Pale colored beers contain more silicon than dark beers, according to the research. Therefore, the light beers are preferable from a bone building perspective.

Charles Bamforth, lead author of the study, stated in a press release, "The factors in brewing that influence silicon levels in beer have not been extensively studied. We have examined a wide range of beer styles for their silicon content and have also studied the impact of raw materials and the brewing process on the quantities of silicon that enter wort and beer."

Dr. Banforth continued, "Beers containing high levels of malted barley and hops are richest in silicone. Wheat contains less silicon than barley because it is the husk of the barley that is rich in this element. While most of the silicon remains in the husk during brewing, significant quantities of silicon nonetheless are extracted into wort and much of this survives into beer."

Researchers studied the beer production process, raw materials and tested 100 commercial beers. The majority of the silicon is in the husk of the barley, which is not affected much during malting. The darker beer products are roasted more and have a lower silicon content.

Caution should be taken before recommending beer for bone health, because beer drinking may have health risks, such as weight gain and alcoholism. However, if beer drinking is not prohibited for health reasons, occasional, moderate beer drinking may offer some benefits.

Details of this study are available in the February issue of the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, published by Wiley-Blackwell on behalf of the Society of Chemical Industry.

Information in this article is not intended as medical advice. If you have questions about a medical condition, please consult a physician.

Resources:
Source: EurekAlert:Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture: Research reveals link between berr and bone health 2-Feb-2010.
National Institute of Health: Osteoporosis Overview

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