Nutritionists and medical experts have conflicting views on the popular Paleo diet, especially when it comes to treating osteoporosis.

Supporters of the Paleo diet believe that the diet strengthens bones and prevents osteoporosis in two ways. First, they argue that the Paleo diet eliminates cereal grains, gluten, so it helps prevent osteoporosis because it improves bone health and strength. Second, supporters of the diet claim that it includes a lot of fruits and vegetables which contain antioxidants and different vitamins and minerals that are essential for bone health.

However, many experts disagree with the Paleo diet for osteoporosis. They argue that the diet restricts the consumption of dairy, which may lead to a calcium deficiency and increase the risk of osteoporosis.  

In addition, there are no studies that link the Paleo diet with a decreased risk of osteoporosis. Thus, many researchers find it difficult to accept that the Paleo diet is truly beneficial for bone health.

Opinion in favor of following the Paleo diet for osteoporosis:

Supporters of the Paleo diet believe that the diet strengthens bones and increases bone mineral density, preventing osteoporosis. 
This is because it eliminates cereal grains and gluten from the diet, preventing the risk of inflammation, which can destroy or weaken the bones.

Plus, by eliminating gluten-containing cereal grains and legumes, the Paleo diet promotes gut health. This decreases the chances of inflammation and allows the gut to absorb the vitamins and minerals from the food more effectively, which improves overall skeletal health.

It also encourages people to consume fruits and vegetables because they contain antioxidants that help fight inflammation and protect the bones. They also contain different vitamins and minerals that are essential for bone health. Therefore, the Paleo diet is beneficial for osteoporosis.

Opinion against following the Paleo diet for osteoporosis:

Many experts do not believe that the Paleo diet can treat or prevent osteoporosis. They argue that the diet may increase the risk of osteoporosis because it restricts the consumption of dairy, which may lead to a calcium deficiency that negatively affects bone health.

However, supporters of the Paleo diet argue that dairy is not the only source of dietary calcium intake.  For instance, Dr. Sarah Ballantyne, Ph.D., a medical biophysicist explains that “Not only do fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and seafood contain substantial amounts of calcium, but there is scientific evidence that we absorb more calcium from cruciferous vegetables (like kale) than we do from dairy.”

She adds, “Cruciferous vegetables (like kale, cabbage, broccoli, collard greens, and turnip greens) may be the best source of dietary calcium.” Thus, the Paleo diet still provides people with plenty of calcium as well as other minerals to increase bone density and prevent osteoporosis.

Opponents of the Paleo diet for osteoporosis argue that there are no studies that link the Paleo diet with a decreased risk of the disease. Thus, some researchers find it difficult to accept that the Paleo diet is truly beneficial for bone health.

Published: August 2020