A recent scientific study indicated that Whey Protein is effective at both supporting healthy bone formation as well as slowing bone resorption (a decrease in bone mass and bone density). In fact, years of scientific research reveal that getting high amounts of protein is vital for bone density. Our bones are living organs that change all the time in response to the stresses we put upon them. Next to Whey Protein’s direct effect on bone density, it also aids us to build muscles. More muscles mean increased stresses on your bones, and a better call for your body to farther boost bone density!

Proteins are the “building blocks” of our bodies. In fact, proteins form the foundation of all living things! But what exactly are proteins? When observed under a microscope, proteins are made out of long chains of amino acids connected together like Lego blocks. There are 20 types of amino acids. One is essential for human growth and metabolism. There are 11 of these amino acids that are classified as non-essential, meaning our bodies can make them. Nine are classified as essential, meaning our bodies can’t make them, and we can obtain them through our diets.

With regards to our bones, Whey Protein is particularly pivotal. Protein makes up approximately 35% of our bone mass and 50% of our bone volume. Protein in our bones is broken down continuously and built back up again, as part of our bone remodelling processes. Unfortunately, protein that is broken down is not reabsorbed and reused. That is why we need a daily Whey Protein supply to retain our bone density.

Now you’ll probably understand the reason why Whey Protein is essential for our bone remodelling processes.  But this isn’t the only bone health benefit; there are three other ways Whey Protein provides crucial support for our bones.

Muscle Mass

Prevents Sarcopenia & Promotes Muscle Mass…When we don’t take adequate amounts of Whey Protein, our capability to replace damaged muscles and build new muscles will be compromised. Over time, this lack of protein leads to lower rates of muscle protein synthesis as well as reduction of muscle mass. In addition, not getting plenty of protein as we age can lead to sarcopenia (An issue where our muscle mass shrinks and fat replaces our muscle cells). We already mentioned it before, our muscles and our bones are closely connected. After all, stress on our bones is caused by muscle contractions which will stimulate them to rebuild. As we get older, our ability to utilise the protein we consume to build muscles (Our anabolic response) lessens. That is the reason why older persons need to take more protein than young people in order to maintain muscle mass.

Boosts Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 Rates…Protein and calcium complement one another. If our diets have enough calcium, more Whey Protein consumption benefits bone mineral density as well as decreasing the risk of hip fractures. Protein boosts the production of IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1), a hormone essential for bone growth. IGF-1 enhances calcium absorption and boosts muscle tissue and strength that synergistically promotes bone strength. Bear in mind that our muscles and our bones are closely intertwined that is why it is named our musculoskeletal system!

Provides our Bones’ Structural Framework…Our extracellular bone matrix is produced mostly of collagen, and collagen also is a protein. This gentle collagen matrix works like a flexible framework for our bones. This framework is hardened by calcium and adds strength to it. Both, calcium and collagen make our bones strong and healthy, yet flexible enough withstanding stress.

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