Long-term dietary protein intake good for young bones

In an effort to show yet again how important an influence protein and alkalizing minerals have in influencing bone status, German researchers unveiled some promising results in November's American Journal Clinical Nutrition.

In 229 healthy children and adolescents ages 6-18, long-term dietary intakes were collected yearly over a 4 year period before a one-time bone analysis. The following was discovered:

• There is a consistent positive association of dietary protein with overall bone health (including bone mineral content) and bone stability.
  
  
• Until recently, protein was believed to have a negative effect on bone health. Most believe it is due to the excess acidity high protein intake produces. This study shows that if alkalizing mineral intake is adequate, the acid issue is a non-factor.
  
  
• Increasing intake of fruits and vegetables (alkali-forming foods) decrease urinary calcium excretion and show a positive effect on bone health.
  
  
• This study failed to detect any positive association between calcium intake and bone variables.
  
  
• Researchers support the health benefit of a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, in accordance with the "5-A-Day" campaign.
  
  
• In children, alkali intake should be achieved through appropriate nutrition, and only if this is not possible with alkalizing supplements, i.e., potassium bicarbonate.
  
  
• What the study greatly emphasized was that dietary influences on bone health should involve an integrative approach, because a focus on a single nutrient (i.e. calcium) is not sufficient.

This study is music to our ears! Stay tuned for Bonnie's comments.