Researchers from Perdue University tested the effect on bone mineral density (BMD) of high-protein diets based on both meat and non-meat sources of protein.
"We know that when overweight, postmenopaus
al women reduce their energy intake to successfully lose weight, they can lose less lean body mass when they consume higher amounts of protein and include lean meats, such as pork loins, ham, beef and chicken, in their diet," said Wayne W. Campbell, professor of foods and nutrition.
"However, we also found that these older women lost bone mineral density faster than women who consumed normal protein diets that did not contain any meats. This finding is of concern for this age group that is susceptible to osteoporosis."
No impact from calcium supplements
In the first study, all the participants took calcium supplements to achieve calcium intakes of 2,000mg per day. In the second study, about half of the participants took calcium supplements.
However, in neither case were the supplements found to impact the loss of bone density.
“Collectively, higher calcium intakes from supplements do not appear to prevent or influence the loss of BMD when overweight and obese postmenopausal women lose weight while consuming a higher protein omnivorous diet,” wrote the researchers.
Bone loss
“In summary, a higher protein energy-restricted diet with protein predominantly from animal flesh sources promoted total body BMD loss in overweight and obese postmenopausal women during weight loss compared with a lower protein energy-restricted diet void of animal flesh foods,” wrote the researchers.
“Our results suggested that for postmenopausal women, choosing a higher protein omnivorous diet for effective weight loss may decrease BMD and increase the risk of osteoporosis.”
Read the full story at: http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Research/High-protein-diets-may-cause-bone-loss-in-older-women-study.
Source and thanks to www.nutreingredients.com.
