Novel Osteogenic Factors derived from Functional Food: Role in Prevention of Osteoporosis

Bone homeostasis is maintained through a delicate balance between osteoblastic bone formation and osteoclastic bone resorption. Bone loss is caused by decreasing in osteoblastic bone formation and increase in osteoclastic bone resorption, thereby leading to osteoporosis. Functional food factors may play a role in the prevention of osteoporosis. Functional food factors including genistein, menaquinone-7 (vitamin K2) and β-cryptoxanthine have been shown to possess a potential osteogenic effect. These factors have been shown to reveal stimulatory effects on osteoblastic bone formation and suppressive effects on osteoclastic bone resorption. Dietary intake of these factors has been shown to reveal preventive effects on bone loss in animal models of osteoporosis and human subjects. This review will introduce our findings concerning roles of functional food factors in regulation of bone homeostasis and prevention of osteoporosis.