Protein and Bone Density

December 30, 2002

So often I hear people talking about how excessive protein causes calcium

excretion. Therefore it was refreshing to read this piece from 'Nutrition

News Focus'

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Many people believe that high protein or animal protein intake has a

negative effect on bones by causing excretion of more calcium in the

urine. However, the science behind this is controversial and

contradictory.

A study of over 900 people aged 55 to 92 years in California asked

about diet and four years later measured bone mineral density.

Greater animal protein intake was associated with higher bone mineral

density in women, and higher vegetable protein consumption was linked

to lower bone density in both sexes. The group studied are generally

much healthier than the rest of the population with lesser overweight

and smoking but more exercise and calcium intake. The study was

published in the April 1, 2002 edition of the American Journal of

Epidemiology.

HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: This is one of the

better studies on this topic, in part because three specific bones and

total body bone mineral density were studied. In addition, calcium

intake was controlled for in the analyses. This study suggests that

more animal protein (from meat, poultry, fish, and dairy) is good for

your bones.

Don Nguyen

Sydney, Australia

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