Sesame Seeds and Their Effects on Bone Health and Osteoporosis

      Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by abnormalities in bone structure, where bones become increasingly porous, and the bone mineral density (BMD) significantly decreases. This results in weakened bones that are more prone to fractures, especially in the vertebrae (vertebral fractures) and hip (hip fractures).

     Risk factors for osteoporosis include genetics, hormones, diet, physical activity, medication use, smoking, and alcohol consumption. The condition is commonly found in the elderly, particularly in postmenopausal women. This stage, often referred to as “menopause” or “the change,” involves a rapid decline in estrogen production by the ovaries. Estrogen plays a vital role in calcium absorption and in slowing down the breakdown of calcium in bones. When estrogen levels fall, bone mass decreases significantly, leading to an increased risk of fractures—a hallmark of osteoporosis.

     Bone formation and resorption are complex processes that occur throughout life. In childhood, bone formation exceeds resorption, leading to an increase in bone mass. Peak bone mass is typically achieved between the ages of 30–40. After that, bone resorption outpaces formation, leading to a gradual decrease in bone density of about 0.5–1% per year, which increases the risk of fractures.

Several key factors influence bone formation and resorption:

1. Osteoblasts – Cells responsible for bone formation.

2. Osteoclasts – Cells responsible for bone resorption.

3. Calcium – A key mineral component of bone, regulated in the blood by the hormones calcitonin and parathyroid hormone. Calcitonin inhibits osteoclast activity and suppresses parathyroid hormone secretion, thereby reducing bone resorption and promoting calcium and phosphate excretion via urine.

4. Vitamin D – Enhances the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the digestive system, reduces urinary calcium loss, and suppresses parathyroid hormone secretion. Vitamin D is produced in the kidneys, but production declines with age due to reduced kidney function.

5. Estrogens and Androgens – These sex hormones inhibit osteoclast activity, thereby reducing bone resorption. As people age, levels of both hormones decrease, especially in women, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. Men tend to have greater bone mass throughout life, and their hormone levels decline more slowly, remaining at higher levels until about age 70. This explains why men are generally at lower risk for osteoporosis than women.

   

        Prevention and treatment of osteoporosis are crucial to avoid fractures, which can lead to disability, reduced quality of life, and even death. Preventative measures include regular physical activity and consumption of foods rich in calcium and nutrients that support bone health, such as estrogen.

        Research shows that sesame seeds contain high levels of calcium, particularly in their husks, and sesame oil contains sesamin, a compound that gut microbiota can convert into enterolactone (EL) and enterodiol (ED). These compounds have estrogen-like effects, meaning they can mimic estrogen’s function in the body. Therefore, consuming products made with sesame seeds can increase calcium intake and help strengthen bones while reducing bone resorption. The phytoestrogen-like activity of EL and ED is especially beneficial for postmenopausal women, helping to prevent and manage osteoporosis.

   รศ.ดร.อริยาภรณ์ พงษ์รัตน์ (2566). เมล็ดงา กับ โรคกระดูกพรุน (osteoporosis)(PDF). สืบค้นจาก