Question:I recently read on a listserve that I belong to that there has been
research connecting higher protein consumption, like the Zone diet, with
osteoporosis. I've never heard of such research and am wondering if
anyone else has, nor have I ever read of higher protein diets (including
plant and lean meat protein) being "bad" for you in this way. Supposedly
this information came from a recent Osteoporosis conference.
Answer:First to clarify a misconception. The Zone diet is not
high protein. Too much hype is given to the 40/30/30
ratio. You determine a LOW amount of protein that is
enough for you using Sears guidelines. Then you add
4/3 times that many calories from carbohydrates. The
rest is fat, preferably mono-unsaturated. It is low
calorie and low protein. If you are athletic and the
Zone does not provide enough calories, you are
supposed to add more calories as fat. Avoid all high
GI foods as well, and you are in the Zone.
Excessive amounts of protein are bad for calcium
status, which is a risk factor for osteoporosis. There
are pretty nice correlations between protein
consumption in a given population and frequency of
osteoporosis. More protein - less bones.
