Feeding and bone

Diurnal variation in bone turnover is responsive to feeding and fasting, and feeding results in an acute decrease in bone resorption. These responses may be governed by multiple intermediary systems, and investigation of these systems has led to new potential therapeutic agents for osteoporosis. Here we review the current understanding of the mediators of bone turnover response to feeding, including calcitropic hormones, cortisol, gut peptides and pancreatic peptides. We also discuss the results of clinical trials of analogues of ghrelin, amylin and GLP-2 in the treatment of low bone density, and the potential bone effects of GLP-1 mimetics that are used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.