High Protein Consumption in Trained Women: Bad to the Bone?
Research snapshot:
2018 randomized controlled trial finds high protein diet has no impact on bone density in women.
2018 |
Randomized Controlled Trial |
Protein |
Bone Density |
Overview.
A 6-month randomized controlled trial found that a high-protein diet did not affect bone mineral density or body composition in exercise-trained women.
Background.
A team of researchers associated with the Department of Health and Human Performance at Nova Southeastern University conducted this study, which was published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.
Objectives.
The primary objective was to determine if a high-protein diet affects various parameters of whole body and lumbar bone mineral content in exercise-trained women. The study aimed to address the hypothesis that consuming extra protein (> 0.8 g/kg/d) might be deleterious to bone mineral content.
Study design.
This was a 6-month randomized controlled trial involving 24 women, divided into a control group and a high-protein group. The high-protein group consumed ≥2.2 g of protein per kilogram body weight daily, while the control group maintained their habitual diet. Body composition was assessed using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and subjects kept a food diary via the mobile app MyFitnessPal®. Exercise or activity levels were not controlled, and subjects were asked to maintain their current levels of exercise.
Results.
During the 6-month treatment period, there was a significant difference in protein intake between the control and high-protein groups. However, there were no differences in whole body bone mineral density, lumbar bone mineral density, T-scores, lean body mass, or fat mass between the two groups.
Conclusions.
The study concluded that 6 months of a high-protein diet had no effect on whole body bone mineral density, lumbar bone mineral density, T-scores, lean body mass, or fat mass in exercise-trained women, despite an 87% higher protein intake in the high-protein group compared to the control group.
Original paper.
Antonio J, Ellerbroek A, Evans C, Silver T, Peacock CA. High protein consumption in trained women: bad to the bone? J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2018 Jan 31;15(6). doi: 10.1186/s12970-018-0210-6.
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