Summaries of Must-Read Clinical Literature, Guidelines, and FDA Actions
Dietary Protein Intake and Bone Health
Am J Clin Nutr; ePub 2017 Apr 12; Shams-White, et al
Higher protein intake among adults displayed positive trends on bone mineral density (BMD) at most bone sites and no adverse effects, although only the lumbar spine (LS) showed moderate evidence to support benefits, a recent study found. The systematic review and meta-analysis from the National Osteoporosis Foundation included 16 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 20 prospective cohort studies through October 2016. Researchers found:
- Higher protein intake may have a protective effect on LS BMD compared with lower protein intake (moderate evidence), but no effect on total hip, femoral neck, or total body BMD or bone biomarkers.
- Limited evidence did not support an effect of protein with calcium with or without vitamin D on LS BMD, total hip BMD, or forearm fractures.
- There was insufficient evidence for femoral neck BMD and overall fractures.
Shams-White MM, Chung M, Du M, et al. Dietary protein and bone health: A systematic review and meta-analysis from the National Osteoporosis Foundation. [Published online ahead of print April 12, 2017]. Am J Clin Nutr. doi:10.3945/ajcn.116.145110.
We are all familiar with calcium and its relationship to bone density. It is probably underappreciated that protein makes up 50% of bone volume and that the intake of protein effects calcium metabolism.1 Increased protein intake leads to increased calcium absorption and excretion. While the relationship between protein and calcium metabolism is complex, this study suggests that there is increased lumbar spine bone density with increased protein intake, but no clear relation between protein intake and bone density in other areas. —Neil Skolnik, MD