Increased yoghurt consumption may significantly reduce the risk of osteoporosis in elderly by improving bone health, a new study claims. “Yoghurt is a rich source of different bone promoting nutrients and thus our findings in some ways are not surprising,” said Eamon Laird from Trinity College Dublin in Ireland.
The largest observational study to date of dairy intakes and bone and frailty measurements in older adults found that increased yogurt consumption was associated with a higher hip bone density and a significantly reduced risk of osteoporosis in older women and men.
Osteoporosis is a chronic condition associated with a reduction in bone strength and an increased risk of bone fracture.
In men, a 52% lower risk of osteoporosis was found. Vitamin D supplements were also associated with significantly reduced risks both in men and women.
Researchers found that total hip and femoral neck bone mineral density measures in females were 3.1-3.9% higher among those with the highest yogurt intakes compared to the lowest.
In men, the biomarker of bone breakdown was 9.5% lower in those with the highest yogurt intakes compared to the lowest. This is an indication of reduced bone turnover.
“The data suggest that improving yogurt intakes could be a strategy for maintaining bone health but it needs verification through future research as it is observational,” Laird said.
