Osteoporosis—Not Inevitable

Concern over osteoporosis has become widespread, and no wonder—an estimated 15 to 20 million Americans suffer from this disease characterized by thinning bones and increased likelihood of fractures. Women wishing to avoid osteoporosis are advised by some experts to boost their calcium intake with supplements and/or dairy products. Other experts believe excess protein is the underlying cause, and advise cutting down meat consumption as the best way to prevent the disease.

The meat/osteoporosis connection is supported by several studies. One found that vegetarians had higher bone densities than those consuming a regular diet, and a second discovered that Eskimos, whose diet is high in meat, have bone densities far lower than other populations. Several animal and human studies found weaker bones and calcium loss in subjects fed high protein diets.  While this evidence appears convincing, further analysis shows another side to the story:

• The study comparing bone density in vegetarians and non-vegetarians did not control for several important variables, and avoiding meat may not have been the protective factor. In addition, the diagnostic test used to assess bone density is known to be highly subject to error.
• The highly elevated incidence of osteoporosis in Eskimos may not be caused by their high-meat diet. In recent years, Eskimos have incorporated commercial foods such as sugar and white bread into their diets, and these refined foods are believed by some to weaken bones. Also, Eskimos are prone to alcoholism, a condition that is highly correlated with osteoporosis. Studies of Eskimos in the earlier part of this century, before much modern contact, found them to be strong and sturdy, and virtually immune to tooth decay and degenerative disease. Skeletons from Pre-Columbian American Indians who subsisted largely on meat show no osteoporosis. 
• In studies where subjects were given high protein diets, bone loss did occur, but the protein was in the form of fractionated amino acids. When protein was given in the form of whole meat, no excess calcium loss was detected. The body needs various nutrients to maintain healthy bones, such as vitamin D for calcium utilization, and vitamin A for both protein and calcium absorption. Whole animal products contain these substances that are lacking in fractionated protein powders.

Sugar, caffeine, alcohol, the phosphoric acid in soft drinks, as well as aluminum from containers, antacids and pollution, all can contribute to osteoporosis. It may be that these harmful substances in the modern diet, in combination with nutrient-poor refined foods, are the cause of the current osteoporosis epidemic plaguing modern society.  

Women in particular may fear osteoporosis at the onset of menopause, because hormonal changes at that time are thought to accelerate bone loss. But this may not be an inevitable outcome. Skeletons of Huguenot women recently discovered in London showed little difference in bone densities between pre- and postmenopausal women. And, we can be fairly certain that none of these pre-modern women were taking calcium supplements or Tums.  Based on information in: Price-Pottenger Nutrition Foundation Health Journal, Summer 1996