Research Indicates Right Protein:Calcium Ratio Needed for Healthy Bones

Adequate protein and calcium in the diet are necessary for healthy bones. However, if protein intake is high and calcium intake is low, it may result in bone breakdown. The reason why? Protein causes some calcium to be lost in the urine.

Researchers at the annual meeting of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research concluded that a bone healthy diet should have a high ratio of calcium to protein. The research is presented in a Journal of Nutrition article entitled, "Does excess dietary protein adversely affect bone?" The article suggests that a ratio of about 20 mg of calcium to 1 gm of protein provides an adequate intake for adult women. Milk and yogurt provide a ratio of about 36 to 1, which is said to make them ideal bone building foods.