Dietary Protein and Bone Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis from the National Osteoporosis Foundation
Research snapshot:
2017 systematic review finds higher protein intake may protect lumbar spine bone density.
2017 |
Systematic review and meta-analysis |
Protein |
Bone density |
Overview.
The study found that higher dietary protein intake may have a protective effect on lumbar spine bone mineral density but showed no adverse effects on bone health overall.
Background.
A team of researchers associated with various institutions, including the National Osteoporosis Foundation, the Egg Nutrition Center, and Dairy Management Inc., conducted this study, which was published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Objectives.
The aim was to evaluate the effects of dietary protein intake alone and in combination with calcium with or without vitamin D (Ca±D) on bone health measures in adults, focusing on nonpharmacologic approaches to maintain skeletal health.
Study design.
The study involved a systematic review and meta-analysis of 16 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 20 prospective cohort studies. Searches were conducted across five databases up to October 2016, and two investigators independently screened abstracts, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias.
Results.
Moderate evidence suggested that higher protein intake had a protective effect on lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) with a net percentage change of 0.52% (95% CI: 0.06%, 0.97%). However, there was no significant effect on total hip, femoral neck, or total body BMD, or on bone biomarkers. The synergistic effect of protein with Ca±D on BMD and fractures was not supported by the evidence.
Conclusions.
The study concluded that higher protein intake does not have adverse effects on bone health and may have a beneficial effect on lumbar spine BMD. However, high-quality, long-term studies are needed to clarify the role of dietary protein in bone health.
Original paper.
Shams-White MM, Chung M, Du M, Fu Z, Insogna KL, Karlsen MC, LeBoff MS, Shapses SA, Sackey J, Wallace TC, Weaver CM. Dietary protein and bone health: A systematic review and meta-analysis from the National Osteoporosis Foundation. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 105(6), 1528-1543. https://doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.116.145110
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