Greek Yogurt for Osteoporosis and Inflammation

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Brock University

Disqualifiers: Injuries, Dairy allergy, Lactose intolerance

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

Duration: 8 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores whether eating Greek yogurt can improve bone health and reduce inflammation in people over 55, especially when combined with exercise. Participants will be divided into groups: some will eat Greek yogurt and exercise, others will only eat the yogurt, and a control group will exercise without yogurt. The study aims to determine if yogurt can enhance body health markers more than exercise alone. It is suitable for adults 55+ in the Niagara area who have no dairy allergies, lactose intolerance, or injuries that hinder class participation. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to valuable research on nutrition and exercise for better health.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

Is there any evidence suggesting that Greek yogurt consumption is safe for senior adults?

Studies have shown that Greek yogurt is generally safe to eat. For example, one study found that when young men ate Greek yogurt and exercised, their bone health improved over 12 weeks. This suggests that the yogurt was well-tolerated, as no major side effects were reported. Another study in older women linked increased yogurt consumption to a lower risk of hip fractures, indicating safety for older adults as well.

While these studies did not specifically focus on Greek yogurt's safety for seniors, they provide some reassurance about its general safety. Additionally, Greek yogurt is a common food that many people consume without major problems. However, as with any dietary change, personal tolerance should be considered, especially for those with specific dietary restrictions or allergies. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Unlike traditional treatments for osteoporosis and inflammation, which often involve medications like bisphosphonates or anti-inflammatory drugs, Greek yogurt offers a nutritional approach. Researchers are excited because Greek yogurt is rich in protein and calcium, which are essential for bone health, and also contains probiotics that may help reduce inflammation. This treatment is appealing due to its natural composition and potential dual benefits on both bone density and inflammation, making it a simple dietary addition with fewer side effects.

What evidence suggests that Greek yogurt could be an effective treatment for osteoporosis and inflammation?

This trial will compare the effects of Greek yogurt consumption, with and without exercise, on bone health and inflammation. Studies have shown that yogurt, including Greek yogurt, benefits bone health. The probiotics in yogurt may aid calcium absorption, crucial for strong bones. Some research suggests that eating yogurt can reduce signs of bone loss and improve bone strength in certain individuals. Additionally, when young adults consume Greek yogurt and exercise, it may enhance bone building. Although more research is needed to confirm these effects in older adults, early findings suggest that Greek yogurt might support bone health and reduce inflammation. ^{1 2 4 5 6}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for senior adults interested in the potential health benefits of Greek yogurt. Participants should be experiencing inflammation or osteoporosis and willing to consume Greek yogurt regularly. They must also be open to participating with or without accompanying regular exercise.

Inclusion Criteria

I am 55 years old or older and live in the Niagara area.

Exclusion Criteria

I have injuries that prevent me from joining classes.

I have been diagnosed with lactose intolerance.

Allergy to dairy foods/dairy protein

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Participants consume Greek yogurt daily for 8 weeks, with or without exercise, depending on group assignment

8 weeks

2 visits (in-person) at weeks 0 and 8

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in bone metabolism and inflammation markers

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Greek Yogurt

Trial Overview The study tests if eating Greek yogurt can improve bone metabolism and reduce inflammation in seniors, comparing groups who exercise (GYEX), don't exercise (GYNE), and a control group that only exercises without yogurt (NYEX).

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Greek yogurt exercising group (GYEX) Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will be asked to consume 2 servings/day (preferably morning and night) of 175 g commercially available GY (0% MF, flavoured, 130 calories, 17 g protein, 225 g calcium (e.g., OIKOS High Protein GY) for a total of 8 weeks. For their convenience, the participants will be provided with appropriate scoops to measure out 175 g of GY per serving of the larger 650 g commercially available, pre-packaged containers. Although it is recommended to consume the two servings morning and night, to increase ecological validity and strengthen the feasibility of the intervention, the timing of the servings will be flexible to facilitate daily routines and lifestyles. For the same reasons, the participants will be able to choose the flavour of their GY.

Group II: Control exercising group (NYEX) Active Control 1 Intervention

During the 8-weeks, participants will be instructed to follow their typical, habitual diet and exercise regimen.

Group III: Intervention non-exercising group (GYNE) Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants will be instructed to follow their typical habitual diet. Participants will be asked to consume 2 servings/day (preferably morning and night) of 175 g commercially available GY (0% MF, flavoured, 130 calories, 17 g protein, 225 g calcium; e.g., OIKOS High Protein GY) for a total of 8 weeks. For their convenience, the participants will be provided with appropriate scoops to measure out 175 g of GY per serving of the larger 650 g commercially available, pre-packaged containers. Although it is recommended to consume the two servings morning and night, to increase ecological validity and strengthen the intervention's feasibility, the servings' timing will be flexible to facilitate daily routines and lifestyles. For the same reasons, the participants will be able to choose the flavour of their GY.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Brock University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

41

Recruited

6,500+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Fortifying yogurt with vitamin D and calcium significantly increased serum vitamin D levels and decreased parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels in older women, indicating improved bone health over 84 days compared to non-fortified yogurt.

The fortified yogurt also led to a significant reduction in bone resorption markers, suggesting that it may help prevent bone loss and reduce the risk of fractures in aged women at risk for osteoporosis.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Fortification of Yogurts with Vitamin D and Calcium Enhances the Inhibition of Serum Parathyroid Hormone and Bone Resorption Markers: A Double Blind Randomized Controlled Trial in Women over 60 Living in a Community Dwelling Home. Bonjour, JP., Benoit, V., Atkin, S., et al.[2022]

In a study of 830 older adults from the Framingham Original Cohort, higher intakes of milk (more than 1 serving per week) were associated with a lower risk of hip fractures, suggesting a potential protective effect.

The results indicated that those consuming medium to high amounts of milk had a 40% lower risk of hip fractures compared to low consumers, although this association was partially influenced by bone mineral density.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Protective association of milk intake on the risk of hip fracture: results from the Framingham Original Cohort. Sahni, S., Mangano, KM., Tucker, KL., et al.[2021]

In a 12-week study with 30 untrained university-aged males, Greek yogurt (GY) consumption alongside a resistance training program significantly increased bone formation markers (P1NP) compared to a placebo, indicating its potential to enhance bone health.

GY also appeared to reduce bone resorption (CTX) after one week of training, suggesting that it may help maintain a healthier balance in bone turnover during exercise.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Consumption of Greek yogurt during 12 weeks of high-impact loading exercise increases bone formation in young, adult males - a secondary analysis from a randomized trial. Bridge, AD., Brown, J., Snider, H., et al.[2020]

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12518318/

Impact of yogurt consumption on bone health markers in ... In conclusion, the effectiveness of yogurt as a primary strategy for enhancing bone health is not fully substantiated by current data, though ...

2. news-medical.net news-medical.net/news/20250318/Can-yogurt-and-kefir-help-prevent-osteoporosis-Scientists-examine-the-facts.aspx

Can yogurt and kefir help prevent osteoporosis? Scientists ... Probiotics in fermented dairy have been linked to improved calcium absorption, reduced bone loss markers, and enhanced gut health, all ...

3. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05922462

Effects of Increased Greek Yogurt Consumption in Youth ... Specifically, we will examine whether Greek yogurt consumption will lead to beneficial changes in bone metabolism and inflammation, in adolescent and young ...

4. cdnsciencepub.com cdnsciencepub.com/doi/10.1139/apnm-2019-0396

Consumption of Greek yogurt during 12 weeks of high ... Greek yogurt, with exercise, increased bone formation in young adult males over 12 weeks. •. After 1 week of an osteogenic exercise program, Greek yogurt tended ...

5. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3641848/

Milk and yogurt consumption are linked with higher bone ... Participants with high yogurt intake (>4 servings/week) had higher BMD at the trochanter compared to those with no intake (P value for high yogurt intake vs. ...

6. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2161831322002551

Fermented Milk Products and Bone Health in ... In postmenopausal women, of the FMPs studied, only greater yogurt consumption was associated with a reduced risk of hip fracture compared with low or no intake.