Higher Protein Levels Could Strengthen Bones

High protein diets may in fact boost bone health, shows new research, that contradicts fears by nutritionists that increasing protein intake could lead to calcium losses. High protein, low carbohydrate diets such as the one promoted by Atkins, have been the source of much criticism from the nutrition community but while many nutritionists agree that the diet may not be nutritionally balanced, the new study suggests that protein may decrease bone resorption, a process that make bones stronger. It had been thought that high protein (and reduced cereal grain) diets would increase urinary excretion of the mineral calcium, known to be essential to bone health. The study, published in the March issue of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (89:1169-1173), looked at 32 men and women over 50 who were randomised to either a high or low protein intake diet for nine weeks and who were already including the recommended 800 milligrams of calcium in their diet.