The effects of whey protein supplementation and exercise on bone in overweight/obese middle-aged adults

Purpose: To investigate the effects of whey protein (WP) supplementation and exercise training on bone mineral density (BMD) and content (BMC). Methods: In this double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled, community‐based 9‐month trial, 108 females (49+7 y, 30.1+2.9 kg/m2) and 78 males (49+8 y, 30.4+2.7 kg/m2) consumed 200 kcal supplements with 0 (n=68), 10 (n=71), 20 (n=21), or 30g (n=26) WP twice daily. All subjects performed resistance (2 d/wk) and aerobic (1 d/wk) exercise during the 9‐month intervention. DXA measurements were made pre, mid and post intervention. Results: Over time (i.e. with exercise) total body and total femur BMD were unchanged. Femoral neck BMD decreased (‐0.15+1.08%, P=0.044) independent of sex. Spine BMD decreased in women (‐1.08+2.60%, P0.05). Conclusion: Whey protein supplementation did not influence the bone mass of weight‐stable, middle‐aged overweight/obese men and women who completed a 9‐month exercise program.