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

150 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

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.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Dairy vs Plant-Based Beverages for Osteoporosis?

Research shows that high calcium intake from dairy products can improve bone health and reduce the risk of fractures, while plant-based diets may be linked to increased bone loss. Additionally, a dairy product enriched with nutrients like calcium and vitamin D has been shown to maintain or increase bone mass in menopausal women. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is it safe to consume dairy or plant-based beverages for osteoporosis?

Research suggests that dairy products, which are a primary source of calcium, are generally safe and may help reduce the risk of osteoporosis, especially in postmenopausal women. However, some studies indicate that high milk consumption might increase the risk of hip fractures, so moderation is advised. ^{3 6 7 8 9}

How does the treatment of Dairy vs Plant-Based Beverages for Osteoporosis differ from other treatments?

This treatment is unique because it compares the effects of traditional dairy products, which are known sources of calcium, with plant-based beverages, which are increasingly consumed as dairy alternatives. The study explores how these different sources of calcium and other nutrients impact bone health, offering insights into dietary choices for osteoporosis prevention. ^{7 10 11 12 13}

What is the purpose of this trial?

This study will evaluate the effects of consuming dairy milk versus two plant-based beverages (pea-based, and almond-based) after resistance training sessions (3 times per week for 12 months) on bone properties (bone mineral density, bone geometry), body composition, strength, and functional performance in post-menopausal women and men 50y and older.

Eligibility Criteria

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

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

Treatment Details

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.

Participant Groups

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+

References

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

Healthy plant-based diet index as a determinant of bone mineral density in osteoporotic postmenopausal women: A case-control study. [2023]

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

Calcium, dairy products and osteoporosis. [2019]

3. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Calcium intake and osteoporosis: the influence of calcium intake from dairy products on hip bone mineral density and fracture incidence - a population-based study in women over 55 years of age. [2023]

4. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Hidden Dangers of Plant-Based Diets Affecting Bone Health: A Cross-Sectional Study with U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) Data from 2005-2018. [2023]

5. 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]

6. Denmark pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[The importance of nutrition for the prevention of osteoporosis]. [2016]

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

Consumption of milk and dairy products and risk of osteoporosis and hip fracture: a systematic review and Meta-analysis. [2020]

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

Consumption of yogurts fortified in vitamin D and calcium reduces serum parathyroid hormone and markers of bone resorption: a double-blind randomized controlled trial in institutionalized elderly women. [2016]

9. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Dairy consumption and risk of falls in 2 European cohorts of older adults. [2021]

10. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Trends in the consumption of conventional dairy milk and plant-based beverages and their contribution to nutrient intake among Canadians. [2022]

11. Mexico pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Technical opinion of the Asociación Mexicana de Gastroenterología on soy plant-based beverages. [2021]

12. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Milk and Dairy Products: Good or Bad for Human Bone? Practical Dietary Recommendations for the Prevention and Management of Osteoporosis. [2021]

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

Choices for achieving adequate dietary calcium with a vegetarian diet. [2022]