Protein and bone health

I just read in a Mayo Clinic heath news letter, that too much protein can actually cause bone loss.  I wonder if that's what's going on with some of us.  Their recommendation for the amount of protein is to take your wt and divide by 25.  Then take that times  9.  So for me at 160 divided by 25 is 6.4 times 9 is 57.6 grams of protein a day.  I'm not sure if that translates the same for someone who has had WLS or not but it seems reasonable.   Since I have osteoporosis, I'm going to try to decrease my protein level from the 80-100  I  usually get  to around 60.   High protein is also hard on the kidneys.  Just an FYI.  You need to do what your WL doc tells you to do.  So far, no one has ever suggested to me that high protein can cause bone loss, but you can be sure I'm going to be asking about that. 

Hey, Lyn! I just found this reference two days ago... on an enzyme website.  Don't remember where specifically.  There are so many factors that go into the bones.  Our Vitamin D and Vitamin K levels need to be good.  We need to get adequate amounts of calcium.  I suspect that many folks just do not take enough and do not absorb from food.  It certainly good be that the high protein and even high fat diet that some eat could affect calcium.  Wi**** was an in-out thing versus the compounding of tons of factors.  Makes it hard to figure out what to adjust to fix it. Factors Improving Calcium Absorption: 1. Small doses – low intake 2. Moderate weight-bearing exercise 3. Lactose 4. Vitamins D and K 5. Adequate, but not excessive, protein 6. Adequate or higher stomach acid - the acid environment of the stomach makes calcium salts more soluble, and therefore easier to absorb 7. Certain nutrients that enhance the absorption and retention of calcium are: potassium, magnesium, zinc, manganese, copper and boron. These nutrients assist in the assimilation of calcium so it can work to help stop bone loss and improve electrolyte balance. Factors Inhibiting Calcium Absorption: 1. High levels of fat 2. Compounds known as phytates (in dietary fiber) and oxalates (in leafy greens) 3. Low stomach acid 4. Smoking, high refined sugar intake, caffeine, alcohol and excess salt promote calcium excretion 5. High protein diets increase calcium excretion, particularly if the protein comes from meat. Good luck! Kathy

Hi Kathy, Thanks for the info!  Most of that stuff I think I knew about but it never hurts to have a refresher.  I worry about my fat soluable vitamin levels since the distal pancreatectomy.  That tends to enhance the malabsorbtion of the fat sol vits.  I need to push my PCP to test for those. Hope you are doing well.  You've also had quite a journey. Lyn

Lyn, For the fat solubles... I'm doing a Vitamin K tablet, dry D in capsules and dry E in capsule form.  My vitamin A level hasn't needed supplementation.  My hubby did need to add A though to his repetoire. Definitely get those levels checked.  Getting alot checked a couple of times a year is definitely in our best interests.  I have to say my PCP is very good at checking stuff.  She does what my WLS wants (which is decent amount) then she adds her own based on her own reading on bariatric patients. I'm hanging in there.  Still battling some post-WLS stuff and other stuff (back problems).  But I forge on. Sorry to hear you are still have hypoglycemic issues. Here is to improving and good health for both of us.  Make that health for us ALL. Best wishes to you, Kathy

I have always wondered about why people take in so much extra protein.  I was told we needed the protein in the beginning just to get in normal amounts because of our decreased intake.  But that farther out when we can eat more normally we just need it like everyone else.  The formula you give is the same one my nutritionists gave me at about a year out from surgery.  The nutritionists says anything over that is overkill and can be harsh on the kidneys.  I never knew about it being associated with bone loss.  Thanks for sharing the information.   How are you doing with your hypoglycemia?  I was just thinking about you last week and wondering how you had been doing.   Melissa

I just printed out my blood sugars to take to the endo tomorrow.  In Jan I had 17 days where my sugar didn't fall below 80.  I know, 70's are normal but I feel it when I get below 80.  Four days I was in the 60's.  We'll see what he has to say.   Melissa, you would love it here today.  Snow.  GRRRR!  I suppose we had a couple inches.  And the ground was almost bare again.  Oh, to be warm again!

Yes, I would love to see some snow for a change.  It was in the 70's here yesterday.  My children loved it of course.  They brought out the shorts and flip flops.  LOL.   Good luck at the endo.     Melissa

The reason that Americans need so much calcium is partly b/c our diets are so high in protein.  When I hear about how much protein some post-ops get, I cringe.  Too much protein can lead to osteoporosis, gout, and kidney problems.  Moderation in all things ... Talk to a nutritionist about your concerns and about how much protein and calcium you personally need. Annette