Effect of calcium and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) co‐supplementation on morphometric characteristics of mouse femur

Osteoporosis is a common disease with a strong genetic component, characterized by reduced bone mass and increased fracture risk. Current evidence suggests that co‐supplementation of calcium (Ca) and CLA improves overall bone mass. In this study, we tested the potential beneficial effect of co‐supplementation of Ca and CLA on bone mass during a bone loss period induced by ovariectomy (OVX). Ninety 12‐week‐old female ICR mice were randomly divided into six experimental groups with or without dietary supplementation of Ca, CLA and OVX: 4 groups of OVX mice were fed diets with 2 levels of Ca (0.5% and 1%), and either with or without 0.5% CLA; two groups of sham‐operated mice were fed diets with (or without) 0.5% CLA. After 4‐weeks on the different diets, peripheral quantitative computed tomography scans were performed ex vivo on femora to assess trabecular and cortical bone parameters. High‐density scans at the mid‐femur (50% region of interest, ROI) and 10% ROI were conducted. Data was analyzed with 2‐way analysis of variance (Ca, CLA and OVX). At the distal end of the femur (10% ROI), the cortical content and cortical density of femora were significantly improved by Ca supplementation ( p <0.05). At the 50% ROI, the polar Strength‐Strain Index (SSIp) was significantly improved by co‐supplementation with Ca and CLA in sham operated groups (p<0.05). In summary, co‐supplementation with Ca and CLA preserves bone mass and bone strength. The data suggest that dietary co‐supplementation is an effective anti‐osteoporosis agent. Supported by NIH 1R21AT004456