The skeletal safety of milk-derived proteins: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #biomarkers #bone-density #dietary-supplements #milk-proteins

The skeletal safety of milk-derived proteins: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Hidayat et al., 2023 | Osteoporos Int | Meta Analysis

Citation

Hidayat Khemayanto, Tong Xing, ... Qin Li-Qiang. The skeletal safety of milk-derived proteins: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Osteoporos Int. 2023-Nov;34(11):1937-1949. doi:10.1007/s00198-023-06840-5

Abstract

PURPOSE: There has been a persistent claim that dairy products contain calcium-leaching proteins, although the soundness of such a claim has been challenged. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effects of milk-derived protein supplementation on bone health indices in adults was performed to reconcile the controversy surrounding the potential skeletal safety concerns of proteins of dairy origin. METHODS: The PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched for relevant RCTs. A random-effects model was used to generate pooled effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: Milk-derived protein supplementation did not significantly affect whole-body BMD (n = 7 RCTs) and BMD at the lumbar spine (n = 10), hip (n = 8), femoral neck (n = 9), trochanter (n = 5), intertrochanter (n = 2), and ultradistal radius (n = 2). The concentrations of bone formation markers (bone-specific alkaline phosphatase [n = 11], osteocalcin [n = 6], procollagen type 1 amino-terminal propeptide [n = 5]), bone resorption markers (N-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen [n = 7], C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen [n = 7], deoxypyridinoline [n = 4]), and parathyroid hormone (n = 7) were not significantly affected. However, increased insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentrations (n = 13) were observed. Reduced IGF-1 concentrations were observed when soy protein was used as a comparator, and increased IGF-1 concentrations were observed when carbohydrate was used. CONCLUSION: Our findings do not support the claim that proteins of dairy origin are detrimental to bone health.

Key Findings

Milk-derived protein supplementation did not significantly affect whole-body BMD (n = 7 RCTs) and BMD at the lumbar spine (n = 10), hip (n = 8), femoral neck (n = 9), trochanter (n = 5), intertrochanter (n = 2), and ultradistal radius (n = 2). The concentrations of bone formation markers (bone-specific alkaline phosphatase [n = 11], osteocalcin [n = 6], procollagen type 1 amino-terminal propeptide [n = 5]), bone resorption markers (N-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen [n = 7], C-terminal te

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 7
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Biomarkers
  • Bone Density
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Milk Proteins
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Vertical: collagen

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09