had a statistically significant better bone mass

A study published in the Journal of Nutrition this month shows that by following a specific high protein and low in fat dairy diet you can prevent the bone loss which is associated with weight loss. It has been established by the nutritionists that a lot of people not only lose fat when they go on a diet but also bone mass and this is sometimes a problem for older people who have weaker bones.

The researchers at the University of Illinois looked at 130 middle aged men and women and divided them into two separate groups. One of the groups followed a high protein eating plan and the others were given a high carbohydrate weight loss eating plan over four months.  Those in the first group (higher protein) were given a lot of low fat milk, cheese and yogurts and all the groups were given a large amount of fruit and vegetables every day. After the initial weight loss they followed the same diets for further eight months to maintain their existing weights.

Professor Ellen Evans said that bone density and bone mineral content in different parts of the body were measured at four months intervals using Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry scans. Professor Matthew Thorpe who led the study said that it was clear that those individuals who followed the high protein diet had a statistically significant better bone mass than those people who followed the higher carbohydrate diet.

The researchers speculated that a combination of higher protein along with a higher calcium intake and Vitamin D which comes from the dairy products was the reason for the significantly better bone mass despite weight loss. The scientists are continuing their research and are planning further studies to establish a connection between a high protein and high a dairy eating plan and a reduction in the risk of osteoporosis in women.