Dairy vs Plant-based Beverages for Improving Bone Health During Exercise
This research wants to find out if drinking different types of beverages after exercise helps strengthen bones in women who have gone through menopause and men aged 50 and older. We're comparing regular dairy milk, a pea-based drink, and an almond-based drink. Participants will do strength training three times a week for a year. After each session, they'll drink their assigned beverage to see how it affects their bone density, body make-up (like muscle and fat), strength, and how well they can do daily activities. The study aims to give clearer advice on the best drinks to support bone health alongside exercise as we get older.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is looking into how drinking different types of beverages after exercise can help improve bone health in older adults. As we age, our bones can become weaker, a condition called osteoporosis, which makes them more likely to break. Regular exercise, especially strength training, is known to help keep bones strong, but what we drink afterwards might also play a big part.
The researchers want to compare three different drinks: traditional dairy milk, a pea-based drink, and an almond-based drink. They want to see which one, when combined with a year-long strength training programme, is best for improving bone strength, measuring things like how dense your bones are and their shape. They'll also look at how these drinks affect your muscle strength, body fat, and how easily you can do everyday physical activities.
Taking part would involve attending supervised strength training sessions three times a week for 12 months. This research is really important because it could help us understand the best ways to support strong bones as we get older, potentially reducing the risk of fractures and helping people stay active and healthy for longer.
Key takeaways
- Compares effects of dairy, pea, and almond drinks on bone health.
- Aimed at men over 50 and women after menopause.
- Involves 12 months of supervised strength training (3 times a week).
- Drinks are consumed after each exercise session.
- Could help find best drinks for stronger bones as we age.
- Participation is voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, women must have gone through menopause. Men need to be 50 years old or older. There aren't any specific age limits for women, as long as they've had their menopause.
However, you can't join if you're taking any medicines that are known to affect your bones. Also, if you have any health conditions that might make it unsafe for you to do a strength training exercise programme, you won't be able to participate. They will check this with a special questionnaire.
Additionally, if you're already doing strength training more than twice a week for 30 minutes or longer, or if you plan to travel for more than six weeks or have major surgery during the year-long study, you won't be eligible. Finally, anyone with allergies to ingredients found in dairy milk, pea milk, or almond milk cannot take part.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you a woman who has gone through menopause?
- Are you a man aged 50 or older?
- Are you not currently taking medicines that affect your bones?
- Do you feel fit enough to start a walking or light exercise programme?
- Are you generally free from allergies to dairy, peas, or almonds?
- Are you able to commit to 3 supervised exercise sessions a week for a year?
What does participation involve?
If you join this study, you'll be asked to attend supervised strength training sessions three times per week for a full year. These sessions will help keep your bones and muscles strong. After each exercise session, you will drink a specific beverage – either dairy milk, a pea-based drink, or an almond-based drink. You'll drink 375ml right after exercising, and then another 375ml about an hour later. You won't know which drink you're assigned, and neither will the researchers, because all the drinks will be flavoured with chocolate to make them look and taste similar. The entire study lasts for 12 months.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- College of Kinesiology University of SaskatchewanVerified postcodeSaskatoon, Canada· Recruiting
Common questions
What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a condition where your bones become weak and brittle, making them more likely to break.
What does 'post-menopausal' mean for women?
It means a woman has permanently stopped having menstrual periods, typically after 12 consecutive months without a period.
What kind of exercise will I be doing?
You will be doing supervised strength or resistance training, which involves movements that make your muscles work against a weight or force.
Will I know which drink I'm getting?
No, you won't know which drink you're assigned because all the beverages will be chocolate-flavoured to make them taste and look similar.
How long does the study last?
The study involves a 12-month period of strength training and drinking the assigned beverage.
How to find out more
Philip Chilibeck, PhD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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