U of S study pits pea milk against dairy in the fight against osteoporosis

Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan are trying to determine if pea milk might be as beneficial as dairy for older adults trying to preserve their bone density.

The study is being led by Phil Chilibeck, a professor of kinesiology at the U of S.

Chilibeck said his previous research comparing the effects of pea milk versus dairy milk on adolescent athletes showed that pea milk was just as effective for improving body composition and strength after resistance training.

"We were surprised," Chilibeck told Saskatoon Morning.

"We thought dairy milk would be superior."

Those findings prompted Chilibeck's latest research, this time focusing on men and women over the age of 50.

In particular, Chilibeck is interested in osteoporosis prevention and wants to determine if pea milk, which is high in protein, or a pea milk supplement could help stave off the disease.

"It's just another weapon in your war chest against the loss of bone," he said.

Protein, along with calcium, vitamins D and K and magnesium, are essential to bone health, according to Osteoporosis Canada.

Chilibeck will follow a group of participants as they strength train three times each week and monitor their response to pea milk, dairy and a low protein almond milk.

Chilibeck's research is partly funded by the Saskatchewan Pulse Growers and the Agriculture Development Fund, a provincial and federal program that funds agri-food research.

Carl Potts, executive director of the Saskatchewan Pulse Growers, said studies like Chilibeck's are important to adding value to the pulse crop industry in Canada.

Saskatchewan exports about 90 per cent of the yellow peas it produces.

Potts said Saskatchewan is one of the largest producers and exporters of pulse crops in the world and Canada exports about 85 per cent of its produce.