The fact that bones need calcium to stay strong and healthy has been known for many years, however results of a recent study suggest that protein may also be essential for preventing bone loss in the elderly. Researchers conducting a 3-year-long study of elderly men and women taking supplementary calcium and vitamin-D discovered that bone mineral density – a measure of bone strength – increased most in those whose diets contained the most protein. However, the bone-friendly benefits of protein were only seen in those taking the supplements, thus suggesting that the body needs a certain amount of calcium, vitamin-D, or both before protein becomes active on bone. Study co-author Dr Bess Dawson-Hughes said: This study identifies another reason to meet the calcium requirement.”
SOURCE/REFERENCE: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2002; 75:609-610, 773-779
