Researchers of a cross-sectional analysis of 3,972 adults with rheumatic diseases from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey examined how daily protein intake relates to lean mass and bone mineral density (BMD). Absolute protein intake showed a linear association with lean mass (≈+1.54 kg per +50 g/day), while relative intake (g/kg body mass) displayed a nonlinear pattern with gains leveling off around ~1.6 g/kg/day. Femoral neck BMD also showed nonlinear associations—peaking at ~150 g/day or ~1.2 g/kg/day—whereas whole-body and spine BMD were not significantly associated with protein intake.
Investigators judged effect sizes as small to medium and recommend pairing higher protein intake with resistance training to enhance lean mass or strength, reserving protein-only strategies for frail patients when appropriate. Because the study is cross-sectional, causality cannot be inferred. Chronic inflammation, inactivity, and catabolic medications (eg, glucocorticoids) may modify responses, and some historical medication use may have been missed. The authors suggest future randomized trials testing intakes above the current recommended daily allowance—approximately 1.2–1.6 g/kg/day—and note that additional rheumatic diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus, warrant evaluation.
Reference: Johnson V. Protein Intake Important for Bone Mass in People With Rheumatic Disease. HCPLive. Published May 27, 2025. Accessed September 5, 2025. https://www.hcplive.com/view/protein-intake-important-for-bone-mass-in-people-with-rheumatic-disease
Link: https://www.hcplive.com/view/protein-intake-important-for-bone-mass-in-people-with-rheumatic-disease
