Olive Oil Compound Protects Aging Mice from Bone Loss Due to Gum Inflammation
New research reveals that oleic acid, a fatty acid abundant in extra virgin olive oil, protects aging mice from bone loss caused by gum disease.
Age-Related Health Issues and Gum Disease
As we grow older, various age-related health problems arise. One common condition is periodontitis, a severe form of gum inflammation that goes beyond just the gums. Plaque buildup on teeth triggers inflammation at the gum line, known as gingivitis. If untreated, this inflammation can spread from the gums to the underlying jawbone, leading to not only increased inflammation but also impaired healing. Eventually, the jawbone deteriorates, which can cause significant pain.
Other age-related conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and osteoporosis can worsen these problems further.
The Study
Scientists investigated whether oleic acid from extra virgin olive oil could affect the development of periodontitis. They fed young mice (5 weeks old) and old mice (at least 73 weeks old) for 16 weeks on one of three diets: a palmitic acid-enriched diet (from palm oil), an oleic acid-enriched diet, or a regular diet.
The mice were then infected with Porphyromonas gingivalis, a bacterium known to cause gum inflammation. Five weeks after infection, young mice showed no bone loss, thanks to their robust immune systems. However, older mice on the palmitic acid diet experienced 63% more bone loss compared to those on the oleic acid diet.
Conclusion
The study demonstrates that a diet high in palmitic acid worsens bone loss resulting from gum infections, especially in older mice. In contrast, oleic acid appears to protect gum tissue by limiting damage.
Although these findings come from mouse models and cannot be directly applied to humans yet, they send an important message. Further research is necessary. It’s likely the researchers reexamined their own kitchens and discarded any products high in palmitic acid.
This research adds to the growing evidence that extra virgin olive oil offers unique health benefits.
Source
Döding et al., Mediterranean diet component oleic acid decreases systemic impact of periodontal Porphyromonas gingivalis-infection in age: addressing role of stress resistance and microbiome, Nature, 2025.
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