Diet has a stronger impact on bone strength than sport

How do we strengthen our bones most effectively??

Researchers and fitness experts have long wondered whether exercise or diet has a greater positive impact on bone health. A new study now tried to find an answer to this question.

The University of Michigan scientists found in their current research that diet has a greater impact on bone mass and bone strength than sport. The physicians published the results of their study in the English language journal "PLOS ONE".

For a healthy bone structure, various vitamins and minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, are necessary. (Image: bit24 / fotolia.com)

Minerals supplemented diet is good for the bones

The experts studied the effects of mineral supplements and sports in mice, noting surprising results. The special diet had a stronger positive effect on the mass and strength of the bones than on exercise. Even after completing exercise, the mice retained bone augmentation as long as they consumed a mineral-supplemented diet.

Results are especially important for the elderly

A longer-term diet enriched with minerals not only leads to an increase in bone mass and bone strength, but also to the ability to sustain this increase after the period of training, says study author Professor David Kohn of the University of Michigan. The results of the study were obtained in mice, but it would be easier for older people to strengthen their bones through the diet, as if they have to do sports even in old age.

Diet can strengthen the bones without training

Another important finding is that the diet has positive effects on the bones even without training. Actually, the researchers expected that exercise combined with a normal diet would provide greater benefits to bone strength, but this was not the case, says Professor Kohn. The data suggest that long-term consumption of minerals-fortified foods may be beneficial to prevent the loss of bone and strength in old age, even when people do not do sports training, the expert adds. A combination of both factors further enhances this effect.

Dietary intake of calcium and phosphorus increased

Most other studies deal with the effects of increasing levels of calcium in food, Professor Kohn explains. The current study increased dietary calcium and phosphorus levels and found it beneficial to increase both. However, this does not mean that people should now necessarily consume more calcium and phosphorus, because the results can not be transferred directly from mice to humans. But they give the researchers at least a conceptual starting point, the professor explains.

By early '20, people have the best bone mass

It is known that people achieve their best bone mass at the age of their early 20's. Thereafter, the bone mass decreases. The important question is how to maximize the amount of bone at a young age, so that when the natural decline starts, people have a better starting point.

How was the study done??

In addition to studying bone mass and bone strength, Professor Kohn and his colleagues performed a series of mechanical bone examinations, which is important because bone mass does not always match or predict the mechanical quality of the tissue. They examined the mice after eight weeks of training and supplemented diet or normal diet. Thereafter, the mice were examined again after another eight weeks without training. (As)