A diet rich in proteins plants or animals at higher levels than currently recommended levels may help reduce bone loss and fracture risk, according to results of a study published in the medical journal Osteoporosis International.
Experts endorsed by the European Society for Clinical and Economical Aspects of Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis, Musculoskeletal Diseases (ESCEO) and the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) conducted a meta-analysis and key findings revealed that:
– the risk of hip fracture is moderately reduced with higher protein intakes, provided that protein intakes calciumare sufficient.
– bone mineral density, which is an important factor in bone strength, seems to be positively associated with dietary protein intake.
– the proteins and calcium combined in dairy products have beneficial effects on calciotropic hormones, markers of bone turnover and bone mineral density. The benefit of dietary protein on bone outcomes appears to require adequate intakes of calcium.
“An adequate intake of dietary protein and calcium is necessary for optimal bone growth in children and the maintenance of healthy bones at all ages,” said Professor René Rizzoli, Professor in the Bone Diseases Division of Geneva University Hospitals and the Faculty of Medicine.
“This message needs to be reinforced due to circulating myths suggesting that too much protein leads to an acid load. In fact, in older people, we find that the most common problem is lack of protein“.
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