Stuart Phillips’ Post

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Distinguished University Professor and Tier 1 Canada Research Chair. Leading research in human physiology and nutrition science.

Dietary Protein for Bone Health The role of dietary protein in maintaining bone health has garnered significant attention, especially concerning its effects on women and older adults. News flash: bone is ~40% by composition protein! Adequate protein intake is crucial for bone maintenance and prevention of osteoporosis. It was once thought that higher protein intakes were bad for bone, but that hypothesis is firmly dead (https://lnkd.in/gzAkihe2) Dietary Protein and Bone Health in Women For women, especially postmenopausal women, studies have shown that higher protein consumption is associated with increased bone mineral density (BMD) and reduced risk of fractures. Beasley et al. (1) found that biomarker-calibrated protein intake positively correlated with bone health in women. Similarly, the Framingham Osteoporosis Study highlighted that higher protein intake was linked to slower rates of bone loss in older women (3). Protein supplements could help increase serum insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) levels and attenuate bone loss in women with recent hip fractures (5). Dietary Protein and Bone Health in Men Protein intake also plays a significant role in bone health in men. Cauley et al. emphasized that dietary protein could help mitigate the risk factors for hip fractures in older men (2). Additionally, the Rancho Bernardo Study reported that higher protein consumption was beneficial for bone mineral density among older men (4). In addition to making sure you're dialled in on calcium (1000-1200mg) and vitamin D (400-1200 IU/d) (6), maintaining an adequate intake of dietary protein is vital for bone health across different demographics. This is particularly important for women and older adults who are at a higher risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Ensuring sufficient protein intake can help preserve bone density, reduce fracture risk, and enhance overall skeletal health. References: 1) Beasley JM, et al. Am J Clin Nutr 2014;99(4):934–40 2) Cauley JA, et al. J Bone Miner Res 2016;31(10):1810–9 3) Hannan MT, et al. J Bone Miner Res 2000;15(12):2504–12 4) Sahni S, et al. Public Health Nutr 2014;17:2570–76 5) Schurch et al. Ann Intern Med 1998; 128(10):801-9 6) https://lnkd.in/gEAQQmHC

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HAREEM HASAN

MS Kinesiology, Doctor of Physical Therapy ACSM CEP, CET, EIM level 3, PN level 1 coach Beat Diabetes Trainer from Diabetes Qualified Australia

6mo

Which protein supplement can help older women with osteoporosis? There are older women who don't like dietary protein especially animal protein.

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Alastair Hunt

Enabling health, performance & longevity, for individuals and teams.

6mo

Based in Singapore where tofu is widely enjoyed in meals, eaten out or at home. And it often has added calcium to boot. Tofu, brassica vegetable, in broth, with a couple of dumplings if desired. A quick and easy meal.

Good info regarding the protein. The importance of protein was downplayed for years (and still is in some quarters). Add in that the ability to utilize amino acids goes down as we get older and the importance of protein intake becomes more important. In the case of bone we are talking about collagen. For healthy bones, resistance training (or any kind but high intensity works best) provides the stimulus, collagen provides the materials to build and maintain.

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Desiree Knack

Registered Kinesiologist & Mobile Exercise and Rehabilitation Expert @ Fit to Function Kinesiology • Adventurer • Outdoor Enthusiast Connecting Active Agers to Movement. For Health. For Life.

6mo

Great post Stuart! I am a BoneFit Trained Kinesiologist, and I love being in the know about evidence-based research to pass on to my osteoporosis and active ager clients! In my experience, so much focus is placed on calcium and Vitamin D intake for prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, protein gets easily overlooked as a key player. The same holds true for the importance of increased protein intake for older adults in general. 😊

Elizabeth Ward, MS, RD

Nutrition Communicator, Author, and Recipe Developer at Betteristhenewperfect.com

6mo

Protein is so important for bone health! I talk about this a lot, especially in women over 50. Thanks for the update and the references!

Ellen Van Den Heuvel

Nutrition Scientist at LLN NutriResearch (Own company; work on a project base)

6mo

Good point, especially the addition that protein are good for bone on top of a sufficient dietary calcium intake and vitamin D status.

Inge Groenendijk

Postdoctoral researcher in Nutrition & Bone Health at Wageningen University & Research

6mo

Good summary. Our research group is currently building on the results of Schurch et al.; we are investigating the effects of a protein and exercise intervention on bone health in patients recovering from a hip fracture. Targeting both sexes!

Dr James Hewitt

Human Performance Scientist | Keynote Speaker | Consultant & Advisor | Empowering knowledge workers with science-based tools to achieve sustainable high performance

6mo

This is a great insight, Stuart. While an increasing number of people seem to be aware of the importance of adequate, quality protein for muscle mass and strength as we age, I’ve not heard many people highlight the role of protein in bone health.

Julie Cakebread

Senior Scientist, health and nutrition

6mo

Any more recent reviews available?

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Wilma Wonnink MSc

Expert Nutrition, Health & Exercise / Content Creator / Software developer .Net

6mo

Thank you! Also my conclusion from my own literature research ... I will share your post with patients.

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