Effect of protein supplementation during a 6-month strength and conditioning program on areal and volumetric bone parameters

• Published in: Bone (New York, N.Y.) N.Y.), 2006-06, Vol.38 (6), p.898-904
• Main Authors: Ballard, Tasha L.P., Specker, Bonny L., Binkley, Teresa L., Vukovich, Matthew D.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Absorptiometry, Photon; Adolescent; Adult; Biological and medical sciences; Bone and Bones - drug effects; Bone Density - drug effects; Bone geometry; Carbohydrates - pharmacology; Dietary protein; Dietary Supplements; Diseases of the digestive system; Exercise; Female; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Humans; Male; Medical sciences; Proteins - pharmacology; Radiotherapy. Instrumental treatment. Physiotherapy. Reeducation. Rehabilitation, orthophony, crenotherapy. Diet therapy and various other treatments (general aspects); Time Factors; Vertebrates: anatomy and physiology, studies on body, several organs or systems
• ISSN: 8756-3282; 1873-2763
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2005.10.020

Skeletal loading and proper nutrition are necessary for optimal bone health. The appropriate amount of dietary protein to maximize skeletal health, however, is under constant debate. To determine if 6 months of protein supplementation in conjunction with a strength and conditioning training program improves areal and volumetric bone mineral density (BMD). Fifty-two apparently healthy males and females ages 18–25 years were randomized to protein supplement (PRO, Myoplex, EAS, Inc. Golden CO) containing 280 kcal, 42 g protein, 21 g carbohydrate, and 1.5 g fat) or calorically equivalent carbohydrate control (CS). All subjects participated in a 5 sessions/week strength and conditioning program. Volumetric and areal BMD measurements were made by peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) of the tibia and whole body DXA. pSSI a measure of torsional bone strength, based on structural and material properties was obtained by pQCT. Measurements at the 20% tibia by pQCT revealed that overall there were significant increases in cortical vBMD (4.3 ± 1.3 mg/cm 3), cortical area (1.9 ± 0.6 cm 2), cortical thickness (0.05 ± 0.02 mm) and pSSI (67 ± 24 mm 3), and a decrease in endosteal circumference (− 0.5 ± 0.2 mm) over the intervention period (all, P