Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026
Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts
Published on: January 29, 2018
Dietary protein intake and bone mineral content in adolescents-The Copenhagen Cohort Study
A Z Budek1, C Hoppe, H Ingstrup
1Department of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 30, 1958, Frederiksberg, Denmark. alzb@life.ku.dk
Unlabelled:
Data indicate that various protein sources may exhibit a differential effect on bone metabolism. We investigated associations of milk and meat protein intake with bone mineral content (BMC) in adolescents. Milk, but not meat, protein intake was positively associated with size-adjusted BMC. Milk-derived protein may be beneficial for bone mineralization.
Introduction:
Milk and meat protein intake has been reported to exhibit a differential effect on serum insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I). IGF-I plays a key role in bone metabolism. Therefore, we investigated associations of different protein sources with BMC and bone area (BA) in adolescents.
Methods:
This was a cross-sectional study of 17-year-old girls (n = 63) and boys (n = 46) participating in the second follow-up of The Copenhagen Cohort Study. We measured dietary intake (7-day food record), BMC and BA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), serum markers for bone turnover and serum IGF-I (immunoassays).
Results:
The mean total protein intake ( approximately 1.2 g/kg) was modestly higher than that recommended. Total and milk ( approximately 0.3 g/kg) protein intake, but not meat protein intake ( approximately 0.4 g/kg), was positively associated with size-adjusted BMC (P
Conclusions:
Our results suggest that some components of milk protein may promote bone mineralization. Further studies are needed to elucidate this phenomenon.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Bone Disorders
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
01:25Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...
01:17Hormones and Bone Tissue
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
01:31Essential Minerals for Bone Health
Calcium and Phosphorus
Calcium is a critical component of bones, especially in the form of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Since the body cannot make calcium, it must be obtained from the diet. However, calcium cannot be absorbed from the small intestine without...
01:28Proteins: Dietary Sources and Requirements
01:20Study Designs in Epidemiology
Observational studies are those where the researcher does not intervene but rather observes natural variations. They include cross-sectional, cohort, and case-control studies.