How does animal protein promote calcium loss?

How does animal protein promote calcium loss?

As food is digested, acids are released into the blood and the body attempts to neutralise the acid by drawing calcium from the bones. This calcium is then excreted in the urine (the calciuric response). Animal protein has a particularly bad effect because of the greater amount of sulphur-containing amino acids it contains compared to plant protein. As the sulphur content of the diet increases so does the level of calcium in the urine. If the diet cannot keep up with the loss of calcium from the bones then ultimately the bones will become weaker. The traditional Inuit (or Eskimo) diet is made up almost entirely of animal protein. Inuits potentially have one of the highest calcium intakes in the world; up to 2,500 mg a day depending on whether they eat whole fish, including the bones, or not. They also have a high rate of osteoporosis, even higher than white Americans!

What other factors are important for bone health?

Physical activity is a key factor in reducing osteoporosis risk. To promote bone health and reduce the risk of osteoporosis it is important to get enough vitamin D, reduce caffeine and alcohol intake and not smoke. Many studies suggest exercise is the most important factor. The best type of activity for bone health is weight bearing exercise; this includes walking, stair climbing and dancing.