For a long time it was assumed (in the face of very little direct evidence) that high-protein diets would cause bone loss. Over the years, research kept showing that this was not the case, that in fact the reverse might even be true. (Low-Carb/High-Protein Diets and Bone Density) However, it's not difficult to find people who still assert that too much protein in the diet will cause a loss in bone density leading to osteoporosis. This month, in the prestigious American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, there is a study which looks into this research and analyzes it. The authors went through past research (30 years worth) and pulled out the studies which compared various amounts of protein in the diet and had outcomes directly related to bone strength, such as bone density and fracture rate.
Their conclusions? Almost all of the studies either showed a positive influence of protein on bone mineral density or no effect. They concluded that the current evidence is that there is a small positive effect of protein, though there is little evidence to date that eating more protein leads to fewer bone fractures. (However, it is not clear that this issue has been adequately studied.)
As the researchers admit, they are limited by the types of studies which have been done, and no doubt more information will come out as more research is conducted. But certainly they found no evidence that a high-protein diet will have a negative effect on bone health.
Image © Sebastian Kaulitzki
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Thanks for sharing this news. Like many physicians, I had some concern about high protein diets causing osteoporosis and fractures. This study pretty much layse them to rest.
The authors write: “Fracture risk is indeed the most important clinical outcome, and it is disappointing that a significant association of protein and fracture risk was not found here.”
I don’t know why they would be disappointed! The data are what they are. I guess their pre-conceived ideas were challenged.
-Steve
laura,love the site and info etc,but WHEN WHEN WHEN are you guys finally going to stop recommending eating and cooking with artificial sweeteners???
they are downright deadly . Please do the research and start educating your subscribers .Go to http://www.aspartametruth.c0m,or splendaexposed.com for starters.regards,andrew
THANK YOU ANDREW!!!! I agree with you –Artf sweetners are evil!!! When are all these so called “healthy” diets going to realize that they are better off eating real sugar or stevia then the artifical stuff
Quite off the topic of protein and bones, but here are some of my thoughts about artificial sweeteners:
http://lowcarbdiets.about.com/b/2009/04/16/thoughts-on-artificial-sweeteners.htm
I think the suggestion is that I not publish recipes that are at all sweet, or even have a component of sweetness. While I tip my hat to those who are living sweet-free lives (truly, I admire you), there are many people who are helped to healthier eating by artificial sweeteners.
I dispute the claim that artificial sweeteners are “deadly” in the way that term is usually used. I could easily make a strong case that sugar, pizza, and potatoes are much more deadly.
This is an area that I have intended to write more about for a long time. Perhaps this will push me to finally do it.
Laura
First I want to say I loved that artical Seven Myths About Low Carb Diets. Question w/ High protein diet is there any problems w/ them if I have enough water, take vitamins, eat fruits and veggies and have milk plus a calcium supplement just in case)?