Search is Powered by Google
Bones / Orthopaedics News

Exploring Effects Of Protein-rich Diet On Bone Health - Osteoporosis Study

Main Category: Bones / Orthopaedics
Also Included In: Nutrition / Diet
Article Date: 25 Jul 2008 - 1:00 PDT

email icon email to a friend   printer icon printer friendly   write icon view / write opinions   rate icon rate article
Current Article Ratings:

Patient / Public:4 and a half stars

4.5 (4 votes)

Health Professional:3 and a half stars

3.5 (2 votes)

Article Opinions: 0 posts

A study by Yale School of Medicine researchers will explore whether a diet rich in protein can improve bone health in post-menopausal women.

Karl Insogna, M.D., professor of internal medicine at Yale School of Medicine, will conduct the Supplemental Protein to Outsmart Osteoporosis Now (SPOON) study in 200 women over age 60. The multi-center trial will take place at both the Yale School of Medicine and at the University of Connecticut Health Center in Farmington, Conn.

Most nutritionists recommend dietary calcium and vitamin D for bone health but it now appears that increased protein in the diet also may have a protective effect and help prevent osteoporosis, according to Insogna. Past studies have shown a higher level of bone mineral density and a slower rate of bone loss in individuals with higher protein intakes. Although suggestive, said Insogna, these past studies do not prove that dietary protein is directly responsible for better bones. To answer the question about protein's influence on osteoporosis, the Yale researcher has developed a well-controlled protein supplementation study.

Participants will be asked to incorporate a protein powder or protein bar, or a placebo powder or bar, into their diet for 18 months. Insogna and his team will measure bone density, bone health and physical strength during the course of the study.

"Between 32 and 41 percent of women over age 60 consume a diet containing less than the recommended dietary allowance for protein," said Insogna. "Given the millions of women affected by osteoporosis and the side effects of the current anti-osteoporotic medications, nutritional therapies should be at the forefront of osteoporosis research. Our study will help to fill an important gap in the research on diet and bone health."

Osteoporosis and low bone-mineral density affect almost 44 million Americans over the age of 50, most of whom are women, and this number is expected to grow to 52 million by 2010.

Those interested in the SPOON study may call the recruitment center toll-free at 1-866-846-2849.

http://www.yale.edu




Weekly Newsletters Daily News Alerts
Home About Us News Licensing Free Website Feeds Free Tools & Content Links Tell a Friend Accessibility Help / FAQ Article Submission Contact Us
Psychiatry Urology
Bipolar Schizophrenia

medical news gadget

Add to Google


developers
website gadget code
website news code
medical news rss feed links


MedReader RSS Reader


Osteoporosis and Psychology image Osteoporosis and Psychology

Understanding the psychological challenges of osteoporosis - and knowing how to cope with them - are important goals for all women with this disease. In this webcast, the emotional issues facing women with osteoporosis...

Living with Osteoporosis image Living with Osteoporosis

No picture of osteoporosis is complete without an understanding of the personal impact this disease can have. And no one can express this impact better than someone who is living with the disease. Join us as we talk to Cecilia Johnson about the physical and emotional challenges of her 15-year...

View more videos...