Dietary Protein Intake and Bone Health

Dear Colleagues,

It is well known that dietary factors are closely correlated with bone health. The organic matrix of bone consists of collagen and a variety of non-collagenous proteins, so an adequate dietary intake of protein, minerals, and vitamins would seem to be essential for optimal acquisition and maintenance of bone mass. Considerable attention has been focused on a balanced diet and dietary protein’s role in childhood and adolescence, periods of growth and development. It is known that animal protein and plant protein differ in some essential amino acids, so adequate protein intake, both in terms of quality and quantity, are crucial for proper muscle-skeletal status.

The beneficial effects of protein include its anabolic effect on bone, through the increase of insulin growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and the positive link between dietary protein and calcium absorption by the gastrointestinal track. On the other hand, protein-rich diets being more acidic may lead to bone demineralization. Bone metabolism is highly responsive to multiple factors and diet is one of those that can affect both bone growth and loss. Inadequate diet nutrient composition could contribute to bone remodeling imbalance, which may lead to bone mass loss, osteoporosis, and higher fracture risk.

We invite you to submit your latest research findings or review articles to this Special Issue of Nutrients, which will gather current research on the role of nutrition, especially dietary protein intake, and its quality and quantity in bone health in children, adolescents, and adults.

Potential topics may include, but are not limited to, associations between dietary patterns, macro- and micronutrients intake and bone health outcomes measured by bone mineral density, bone mineral content, and biochemical bone turnover markers. The assessment of bone quality may be helpful in developing strategies to prevent low bone mass and osteoporosis.

Dr. Jadwiga Ambroszkiewicz
Prof. Dr. Grazyna Rowicka
Prof. Dr. Magdalena Chełchowska
Dr. Joanna Gajewska
Guest Editors

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