The amount and type of protein we eat, seems to determine how much calcium is conserved or lost from the body. Generally, a high protein intake, particularly from animal sources as is common in Western countries such as Australia and New Zealand, increases the loss of calcium from the body via effects on the kidneys. A report from an osteoporosis conference held by the American Dietetic Association together with the National Dairy Council in the US
5 concluded that for every 1g of protein consumed, 1mg of calcium is lost in the urine.