Excess protein and Bone Loss

To the western mind, daily calcium intake is important in the prevention of osteoporosis.  While this thought is not “wrong” per se, it is missing the point.  Too much dietary protein, not too little calcium is one of the major causes of osteoporosis.

Too much calcium causes excess hydrogen ions in the blood which raises blood acid levels.  The neutralize this acid, the body leaches calcium from the blood.  The resulting sulfur compounds and the excess calcium are excreted in the urine.

“When the body metabolizes more of these proteins than it needs, sulfur-based acids are produced.  To neutralize these acids, the body draws on its stores of calcium. Instead of being used to build bone, the calcium spills into the urine.” (1)

Sources:

Health 1993, Sept 28, as quoted in “Moooove over milk”