But as we get older, our kidneys are less and less capable of excreting the acid. This causes bone, which is built of base and other components, to step in to neutralize the acid. As a byproduct of this action, the bone dissolves over time, causing it to lose mass and calcium. Decreased bone mass makes fractures more likely. While it appears that increasing vegetable protein intake and decreasing animal protein intake can decrease the risk of bone loss and hip fracture in elderly women, Sellmeyer stressed that the point of the study is not to recommend women give up eating meat or cheese.
Protein is very important in maintaining strong bones and muscles.
This study is yet another reason to eat more fruits and vegetables. Copyright 2000 Regents of the University of California. All rights reserved. Please direct all comments and questions to the Daybreak Editor . Please contact the UCSF Web Developer for questions of a technical nature.