Study: Calcium-Rich Whey Permeate Helped Maintain Bone Mineral Density in Postmenopausal Women
A clinical study involving postmenopausal women examined whether calcium-rich whey permeate could slow the loss of bone mineral density. After 12 months, bone mineral density in participants receiving the ingredient remained at its initial level, while it declined in the placebo group. The findings were reported in a statement from the RENEW project on October 20.
The study was conducted in Denmark with the participation of Zealand University Hospital and the University of Copenhagen. A total of 316 women completed it. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either a placebo or 800 mg of calcium per day, in the form of calcium carbonate or calcium-rich whey permeate. The permeate was also tested in combination with inulin. The daily dose was divided into two administrations; all participants also received vitamin D.
The study was completed by 78 women in the calcium-rich whey permeate group and 75 in the placebo group. According to the researchers, analysis of blood markers of bone turnover showed that bone loss had slowed by the third month of permeate supplementation. Adding inulin provided no additional bone health benefits.
The statement does not provide numerical changes in bone mineral density or the results of a comparison between whey permeate and calcium carbonate. The reported data therefore do not establish that one calcium source is superior to the other.
The RENEW project focuses on using side streams from dairy processing as sources of food ingredients. The study used Arla Foods Ingredients’ milk calcium- and lactose-based ingredients. Project partners include Arla Foods Ingredients, Arla Foods amba, the University of Copenhagen, Zealand University Hospital, Aarhus University and the USDA Western Human Nutrition Research Center. Funding was provided by Innovation Fund Denmark.
Study abstract.
