Calcium Plus Protein Equals Strong Bones: Study

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Calcium Plus Protein Equals Strong Bones: Study

Mon Apr 29, 2:09 PM ET

By Merritt McKinney

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Getting enough calcium is essential for

building and maintaining healthy bones, but new research suggests that

protein may also play an important role in preventing bone loss.

During a 3-year study of 342 elderly men and women who were taking

calcium citrate malate and vitamin D supplements, investigators found

that bone mineral density increased most in people whose diets contained

the most protein. Whether protein came from mainly animal or plant

sources did not affect the increase in bone density, the researchers

report in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (news - web sites).

" The present study suggests that bone mineral density may be improved by

increasing protein intake in many older men and women, as long as they

meet the currently recommended intakes of calcium and vitamin D, "

according to Drs. Bess Dawson- and S. at Tufts

University in Boston, Massachusetts.

" This study identifies another reason to meet the calcium requirement, "

Dawson- told Reuters Health. " It may enable your bones to benefit

from the protein in your diet. "

Dietary protein was linked to increased bone density only in people who

were taking supplements. Protein intake did not have a noticeable effect

on bones in study participants who were assigned an inactive placebo

pill. Additional research is needed to see whether protein improves bone

density in older people who get all their calcium and vitamin D from

dietary sources, not supplements, Dawson- and note.

The relationship between protein and bone density is not clear-cut. Some

studies have detected a decreased risk of bone loss and fracture in

people who consume high levels of protein. But other studies have linked

protein consumption to an increased risk of fracture, especially in

people who consume high levels of animal protein.

The more protein a person eats, the more calcium is excreted in urine.

" Excess protein intake should be bad for bone, " Dr. P. Heaney at

Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, points out in a related

editorial.

But the results of the study suggest that concerns about protein intake

are " probably unfounded, " Heaney told Reuters Health.

" You need both calcium and protein for bone, and if your diet has plenty

of both, then your bones are likely to be in better condition than if you

are short on one or both of these nutrients, " he said.

Heaney added that the study and other recently published research " go a

long way toward refuting " concerns that animal protein is bad for bones.

SOURCE: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2002;75:609-610, 773-779.