Bone health is important throughout the lifespan, whether during the bone-building years of childhood and adolescence, to the bone loss that occurs later in life.

A strong skeleton is vital to being able to maintain a physically active life, and also can play a role in longevity for older patients. Diet is a modifiable factor that can play a role in bone health, and multiple studies have found an association between prunes and bone loss prevention. A positive effect has even been seen in people who eat as little as 5-6 prunes per day. Additionally, prunes are a sweet snack with no added sugar, and a serving of prunes counts toward your patients’ daily fruit goal of two servings. Compared to other dried fruit, prunes are lower in naturally-occurring sugar and have a low glycemic index.

To hear more about the research supporting the link between prunes and bone health, tune-in to a recent episode of the podcast “Sound Bites” – where award-winning nutrition expert Melissa Joy Dobbins, MS, RDN, CDE, interviews Dr. Shirin Hooshmand to learn all about the “Power of Prunes”.

Digestive health issues are common throughout the lifespan, and only 50% of adults consume the recommended amount of fiber each day. Prunes and prune juice contain both soluble and insoluble fiber along with naturally-occurring sorbitol – all of which contribute to digestive health. Additionally, research suggests that prunes are safe, palatable and more effective than psyllium for the treatment of mild to moderate constipation.