Excess dietary protein may not adversely affect bone

Abstract

Too little protein is always harmful for the skeleton. Increasing dietary protein increases endogenous calcium excretion. The ability to adapt depends upon the adequacy of an individual's calcium intake. At a population level, the effect of protein is often minimized because calcium intake rises with increasing protein intake. A dietary calcium-to-protein ratio ≤20:1 (mg:g) probably provides adequate protection for the skeleton. Excess protein will not harm the skeleton if the calcium intake is adequate.