Does protein leach calcium from the bones? Yes, but only if it is plant protein
The idea that protein leaches calcium from the bones has been around for a while. It is related to the notion that protein, especially from animal foods, increases blood acidity. The body then uses its main reservoir of calcium, the bones, to reduce blood acidity. Chris Masterjohn does not agree with this idea . This post generally supports Chris’s view, and adds a twist to it, related to plant protein consumption. The “eat-meat-lose-bone” idea has apparently become popular due to the position taken by Loren Cordain on the topic. Dr. Cordain has also made several important and invaluable contributions to our understanding of the diets of our Paleolithic ancestors. He has argued in his book, The Paleo Diet , and elsewhere (see, e.g., here ) that to counter the acid load of protein one should eat fruits and vegetables. The latter are believed to have an alkaline load. If the idea that protein leaches calcium from the bones is correct, one would expect to see a negative association betwee...