Protein intake and physical activity before puberty improve bone biomechanical strength in healthy boys

Previous studies by the authors of the present study have shown the positive effect of protein intake and physical activity on bone mineral density, mineral content, and thickness in 7-year-old boys. This positive effect is still detectable on the same subjects aged of 15 years old. The aim of this study [1] was to evaluate the failure load and the stiffness of the distal tibia on the same 15-year-old subjects, who received before puberty different protein intakes and physical activity levels. Using high-resolution peripheral computerized tomography, they showed that high physical activity associated with a 47% increase of protein intake, augments failure load from +0.14 to +0.48 z-score. Similarly, the bone stiffness z-score increased from +0.16 to +0.42 z score. These results showed that increasing protein intake and physical activity before puberty not only upgrades bone structural components after childhood, but also improves biomechanical bone properties. This study highlights the importance of nutrition and exercise for early prevention of adult osteoporosis.

1. Chevalley T, et al. Osteoporos Int. 2011; 22(Suppl 1):S202-S203.