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Dear Colleague,
Nutrition is consistently identified as the cornerstone
to optimal health. New research also suggests that protein,
specifically, may play a vital role in bone health. Osteoporosis is a
known, common health condition and generally speaking, there is a
widespread recognition of the importance of calcium and vitamin D for
building bone. A recent research review sheds light on protein's role
in bone health, contradicting the myth that protein is detrimental to
bone health and suggesting that dietary protein may instead be
beneficial.
The research, published in the December 2009 edition of
the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition1, details a systematic review
including 61 studies from the past three decades that evaluated protein
and bone health in healthy humans. The research indicates that despite
common misperceptions, protein doesn't negatively impact bone health.
The authors also note that the increasing burden of osteoporosis
globally means modifiable factors such as nutrition have become of
larger importance.
Additionally, the American
Journal of Clinical Nutrition3 includes an
accompanying editorial by Jane Kerstetter, PhD, RD, who echoes the
importance of dietary intervention for bone health and highlights the
fact that increasing dietary protein resulted in a slight positive
association that was able to account for 1 - 2 percent of bone mineral
density. Kerstetter notes that more research is needed to answer
several important questions, but suggests that encouraging older adults
to add a small protein source to meals is safe advice that will not
harm their bone health.
This sentiment is supported by two additional research
studies. A research review from the Journal of the American College of Nutrition2
suggests that along with calcium and vitamin D, adequate intake of
protein should be recommended in the prevention and treatment of
postmenopausal and age-dependent osteoporosis. In addition, a recent
study from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition4
examines data from a large population-based cohort of 631 premenopausal
women and suggests that higher protein intake does not have an adverse
effect on bone.
As this growing body of research indicates, despite
common misperceptions, protein doesn't negatively impact bone health.
In fact, recent research suggests that high protein intake is
associated with increased bone mass and reduced risk for osteoporotic
fracture.2 While additional long-term studies should be
completed, the data still indicates that inclusion of protein in the
diet is a necessary component for optimal bone health across the
lifecycle. These conclusions suggest a strong need for health care
professionals to include protein in dietary recommendations, especially
in light of the aging population for whom it is particularly important
to maintain bone strength to prevent the risk of fractures.
I invite you to review this research as provided in the
links to the abstracts. In addition, you may also be interested in the
following fact sheets, which provide information about the health
benefits of high-quality protein as well as tips for incorporating
moderate amounts of protein into the diet throughout the day. Please
click on the links below to access the fact sheets:
I hope you find this information helpful as you
translate nutrition research in your practice. If you have any
questions as you review the materials, or if you would like a full text
copy of the studies or editorial, please feel free to contact Katie
Hayes at katie.hayes@edelman.com
or 312-240-2690.
Shalene McNeill, PhD, RD
Executive Director, Nutrition Research
National Cattlemen's Beef Association
References:
1.
Darling AL, Millward DJ, Torgerson DJ, Hewitt CE,
Lanham-New SA. Dietary protein and bone health: a systematic review and
meta-analysis. American
Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2009; 90 (6)
1674-1692.
2.
Bonjour. Dietary Protein: An Essential Nutrient
for Bone Health. Journal
of the American College of Nutrition.2005; 24 (6):
526-536S.
3.
Kerstetter JE. Dietary protein and bone health: a
systematic review and meta-analysis. American
Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2009; 90 (6)
1451-1452.
4.
Beasley JM, Ichikawa LE, Ange BA, LaCroix AZ, Ott
SM, and Scholes D. Is protein intake associated with bone mineral
density in young women? American
Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Published online ahead of
print March 10, 2010.
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