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Protein-restricted diet negatively affects calcium levels in young women

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Unfavorable changes in calcium among young women resulted from a protein-restricted diet, according to recent study findings presented at The American Society for Bone and Mineral Research Annual Meeting.

“Dietary protein appears to be one controllable lifestyle factor that influences [calcium] economy, and higher protein intake may, in turn, help to reduce the risk of osteoporosis in later life,” Jessica Bihuniak, PhD, RD, of New York University, told Endocrine Today.

Jessica Bihuniak

Bihuniak and colleagues evaluate 11 premenopausal women who were on a low-protein (0.7 g/kg) diet for 6.5 weeks to determine the effect of protein restriction on calcium absorption and bone turnover. The researchers assessed calcium absorption and bone turnover at day 5 and week 6.

“Protein intake below the [recommended daily allowance] (0.8 g/kg) appears to have a negative impact on [calcium] economy in young women,” Bihuniak said.

There were declines in intestinal calcium absorption (P = .02) after restriction, as well as a decrease in the percent of urine calcium from the diet (P = .01).

Increases were found in the fraction of urine calcium originating from bone (P = .01) and serum parathyroid hormone (P = .03). A trend was found for a negative bone balance (P = .08).

“Since [calcium] absorption naturally declines with age, we are interested in seeing if this effect persists in postmenopausal women, a group at risk for accelerated bone loss,” Bihuniak said. “We are also interested in finding the optimal amount of dietary protein that can enhance [calcium] absorption and, potentially, prevent adverse skeletal health.” – by Amber Cox

Reference:

Bihuniak J, et al. Abstract 1092. Presented at: The American Society for Bone and Mineral Research Annual Meeting; Oct. 9-12, 2015; Seattle.

For more information:

Jessica Bihuniak, PhD, RD, can be reached at Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development, Nutrition and Food Studies, 411 Lafayette St., Fifth Floor, New York, NY 10003; email: jdb13@nyu.edu.

Disclosure: Bihuniak reports no relevant financial disclosures.