Dairy vs Plant-Based Beverages for Osteoporosis

Overseen By Philip Chilibeck, PhD

Age: Any Age

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Saskatchewan

Must not be taking: Bone medications

Disqualifiers: Travel, Surgery, Strength training, Allergies, others

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

Duration: 12 months

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores whether dairy milk or plant-based drinks, such as pea or almond beverages, better support bone health after resistance training. It examines the effects of these drinks on bones, body composition, and strength in post-menopausal women and men over 50. Participants will consume one of the beverages after workouts three times a week for a year. Post-menopausal women or men aged 50 and above, who are not on certain bone-affecting medications and not heavily engaged in strength training, may be suitable candidates. As an unphased trial, this study allows participants to contribute to significant research on nutrition and bone health.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial excludes people who are taking medications that might affect bone, so you may need to stop taking such medications to participate.

Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?

Research shows that chocolate milk and pea-based drinks can be safe choices. Studies have found that consuming chocolate in moderation does not harm bone health in postmenopausal women, though frequent consumption might slightly reduce bone strength. Chocolate milk, primarily composed of milk, provides calcium and protein, both crucial for healthy bones.

Pea-based drinks are easy to digest and rich in nutrients. They can be fortified with calcium and vitamin D, which support strong bones and muscles. No major safety issues have been reported for pea-based drinks, making them a suitable choice for many people.

In summary, both chocolate milk and pea-based drinks are generally safe, but it's best to enjoy chocolate milk in moderation to avoid any potential negative effects on bone strength. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatments?

Researchers are excited about exploring the effects of dairy and plant-based beverages on osteoporosis because these dietary approaches offer a natural and accessible way to support bone health. Unlike traditional treatments that might include medications like bisphosphonates or hormone-related therapies, these beverages provide a non-pharmacological option that can be easily integrated into daily life. The trial investigates whether 1% chocolate milk, a dairy option, or pea-based and almond beverages, plant-based options, can effectively support bone density when consumed after resistance training. This approach is particularly appealing as it taps into the nutritional benefits of these beverages, potentially offering a convenient and tasty way to enhance bone health without the side effects associated with conventional medications.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for osteoporosis?

Research has shown that chocolate milk, which contains calcium and protein, might aid bone health and workout recovery. However, some studies suggest that daily chocolate consumption could weaken bone strength in older women. In this trial, one group of participants will consume chocolate milk to assess its effects on bone health.

Another group will consume pea-based beverages, which can be enriched with calcium, vitamin D, and protein, all important for healthy bones and muscles. While more research is needed, these pea drinks might offer bone health benefits similar to or even better than dairy. This trial studies both chocolate milk and pea-based drinks for their potential to improve bone health in older adults. ^{1 2 4 5 6}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for men and women aged 50 years or older who are post-menopausal. It's designed to see how different drinks affect bone health after exercise in those at risk of osteoporosis.

Inclusion Criteria

I am a man aged 50 or older.

I am a woman and have gone through menopause.

Exclusion Criteria

I am on medication that could affect my bones.

Allergies to ingredients in the beverages

Conditions that might preclude participating in a resistance-training program (determined by the 'Get Active Questionnaire')

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants engage in supervised resistance-training sessions three times per week for 12 months, consuming either dairy milk or plant-based beverages post-exercise

12 months

3 visits per week (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in bone properties, body composition, strength, and functional performance

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Dairy vs Plant-based Beverages

Trial Overview Participants will engage in resistance training three times a week for a year, during which they'll consume either dairy milk or one of two plant-based beverages (pea-based or almond-based) to compare effects on bones and muscles.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Pea-based beverage Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

375 ml of pea beverage consumed immediately after resistance training sessions + 375 ml of pea beverage consumed 1 hour after resistance training sessions

Group II: 1% chocolate milk Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

375 ml of 1% chocolate milk consumed immediately after resistance training sessions + 375 ml of chocolate milk consumed 1 hour after resistance training sessions

Group III: Almond beverage Placebo Group 1 Intervention

375 ml of almond beverage consumed immediately after resistance training sessions + 375 ml of almond beverage consumed 1 hour after resistance training sessions

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Saskatchewan

Lead Sponsor

Trials

261

Recruited

156,000+

Citations

1. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31029926/

Chocolate and chocolate constituents influence bone ... Studies showed postmenopausal women had no bone effects at moderate chocolate intakes, whereas adolescents consuming chocolate had greater longitudinal bone ...

2. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002916523234528

Chocolate consumption and bone density in older women Daily (≥1 times/d) consumption of chocolate, in comparison to <1 time/wk, was associated with a 3.1% lower whole-body bone density; with similarly lower bone ...

3. scienceofchocolate.com scienceofchocolate.com/bean-to-bar-blog/chocolate-and-chocolate-constituents-influence-bone-health-and-osteoporosis-risk?srsltid=AfmBOor_hzuli-poQmSyMyDQEbcxw2Ldb-AzzJFGVtCDB1JFjFNy3GEq

Chocolate and Chocolate constituents influence bone health ... The only impact appeared to be that tibia bone density and strength were lower in the women who said to have consumed chocolate daily vs those ...

4. health.com health.com/nutrition/is-chocolate-milk-good-for-you

5 Health Benefits of Chocolate Milk - Nutrition Chocolate milk can have benefits for workout recovery and bone health. It's main ingredient, milk, is a source of calcium, protein, ...

5. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0899900719300176

Chocolate and chocolate constituents influence bone ... Daily chocolate intake in postmenopausal women reduced bone density. •. Cocoa powder and dark chocolate flavanols and minerals may help preserve bone health.

6. scienceofchocolate.com scienceofchocolate.com/bean-to-bar-blog/chocolate-and-chocolate-constituents-influence-bone-health-and-osteoporosis-risk?srsltid=AfmBOorsGFAE9qLE7fEET8QF0cIPDh01rUap1uvW1kDRSOLyyJbDzFsG

Chocolate and Chocolate constituents influence bone health ... The only impact appeared to be that tibia bone density and strength were lower in the women who said to have consumed chocolate daily vs those ...