Asian women experience a lower rate of hip fractures compared to women from Western countries and diet is recognised to be one important factor.
A high intake of animal protein as compared to plant protein has been linked with calcium loss from the body and an increased risk of hip fractures.
When animal protein is replaced with soy protein, less calcium is lost from the body.
Soy protein and the isoflavone genistein help maintain bone mass and prevent osteoporosis in rats.
Short-term dietary supplementation with soy protein prevents bone loss in the spine of peri-menopausal women, and increases bone mineral density and bone mineral content in the spine of post-menopausal women.
