Dairy-derived proteins may protect dieters' bones
People who are trying to lose weight may benefit from eating plenty of protein, particularly from dairy foods, experts say.Weight loss can harm bone health, but research in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism suggests that dairy-derived proteins can help to protect the bones.
Scientists at McMaster University in Canada studied a group of overweight premenopausal women who consumed low, medium or high amounts of dairy foods for 16 weeks.
Participants also took exercise every day in order to improve their fitness.
The researchers found that a diet high in dairy products enabled women to lose weight while also protecting against bone loss.
Lead author Andrea Josse, from McMaster's department of kinesiology, said: "Our findings demonstrate the importance of diet composition to the maintenance of bone health status during weight loss.
"Our data clearly show dairy-source protein is important when aiming to avoid harmful consequences such as accelerated bone loss during weight loss."
NHS experts advise people to consume low-fat milk and dairy products, including cheese and yoghurt, in order to incorporate plenty of protein and calcium in their diet.
