Protein: Vegetable Protein ->Protects Your Bones

By Larry W. Axmaker, EdD, PhD

In a seven-year study, a team of medical researchers found that older women who got most of their dietary protein from animal sources, such as meat and milk, had a much higher rate of hip fracture than women who got much of their dietary protein from plant sources such as tofu, beans, and whole grains.

The Study
The study and follow-up, reported in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, involved more than 1,000 women over age 65. Each participant filled out a food-frequency questionnaire and twice underwent bone density measurements during the study. Participants were contacted every four months to determine whether they had experienced a bone fracture.

Data was also collected on total calorie intake, activity level, weight, calcium intake, estrogen use, smoking status, and alcohol intake.

During the length of the study there were 48 confirmed hip fractures. The majority of those fractures occurred in women with a high animal-to-vegetable protein intake ratio. In other words, the risk of a hip fracture increased as the percentage of animal protein intake increased, regardless of other factors.

What Should You Do?
These results don't mean you have to give up all animal products. If you eat the recommended daily servings of fruits (2-4), vegetables (3-5), and whole grains (6-11), your diet will include substantial amounts of vegetable protein.

Summary
Most postmenopausal women are at risk for thinning bones (osteoporosis). An increase in vegetable protein intake and a decrease in animal protein intake may decrease bone loss and the risk of hip fractures. Talk with your doctor about these findings and how best to protect yourself and prevent fractures.

Source:
1. Sellmeyer DE et al. A high ratio of dietary animal to vegetable protein increases the rate of bone loss and the risk of fracture in postmenopausal women. Am J Clin Nutr 2001;73:118-22.

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Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis of specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt professional medical attention if you have a particular concern about your health or specific symptoms.