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

60 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This study aims to examine whether Greek yogurt (GY) consumption will lead to beneficial changes in bone metabolism and inflammation, in senior adults, male and female, when combined with regular exercise (senior fit classes; GYEX) and without exercise (GYNE). It is hypothesized that compared to a control group (senior fit classes, no GY; NYEX), an 8-week GY consumption intervention in senior adults with and without exercise will lead to positive effects on body composition, and markers of bone metabolism and inflammation such that the anabolic and anti-inflammatory markers of these physiological processes will increase more than any training-induced catabolic and pro-inflammatory markers (i.e., more than measures observed in the NYNE group).

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

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

What data supports the effectiveness of Greek yogurt as a treatment for osteoporosis and inflammation?

Research shows that consuming Greek yogurt, which is rich in protein and calcium, can help increase bone formation and reduce bone breakdown, especially when combined with exercise. This suggests that Greek yogurt may support bone health and potentially help with conditions like osteoporosis. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

How does Greek yogurt differ from other treatments for osteoporosis and inflammation?

Greek yogurt is unique because it combines protein and calcium, which are beneficial for bone health, and can be consumed as a food rather than a medication. It has been shown to increase bone formation when combined with exercise, making it a novel dietary approach to support bone health without pharmacological intervention. ^{1 2 5 6 7}

Eligibility Criteria

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

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

Treatment Details

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).

Participant Groups

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+

Findings from Research

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]

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 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]

References

1. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Dairy Product to Reconstitute Enriched with Bioactive Nutrients Stops Bone Loss in High-Risk Menopausal Women without Pharmacological Treatment. [2021]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Protective association of milk intake on the risk of hip fracture: results from the Framingham Original Cohort. [2021]

3. France 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. [2022]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of yogurt on a urinary marker of bone resorption in postmenopausal women. [2019]

5. Canada 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. [2020]

6. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Bioactive Yoghurt Containing Curcumin and Chlorogenic Acid Reduces Inflammation in Postmenopausal Women. [2022]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of yogurt ingestion on mucosal and systemic cytokine gene expression in the mouse. [2023]