Can Pulse-Based Protein Support Stronger Bones?

If you’re following a vegetarian or vegan diet, you may have heard concerns about bone health—lower bone mineral density (BMD) and a potential increased risk of fractures. Since bones are built from both protein and minerals, getting enough of these nutrients is key. Protein forms the structural framework of bones, making up about 50% of their volume and a third of their mass. Calcium then fortifies this framework, ensuring strength and resilience.

A Smarter Approach to Bone Nutrition

At ATURA Proteins, we believe that pulse-based diets can be just as supportive of bone health as traditional approaches. That’s why we explored whether a meal-sized serving (0.33 g/kg) of ATURA Fava Bean Protein Isolate, paired with 800 mg of Aquamin—a marine-derived multi-mineral complex—could positively impact bone metabolism. Our study, involving 10 healthy young adults, measured key markers of bone turnover over a four-hour period.

What Did We Find?

Our results shed new light on the power of pulse-based nutrition in supporting bone health:

✅ Rapid Calcium Absorption – Blood calcium (iCa) levels increased within 30 minutes, showing that the nutrients were quickly bioavailable.

✅ Optimized Hormonal Response – A drop in parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels indicated that calcium was efficiently absorbed and utilized.

✅ Reduced Bone Breakdown – Lower levels of the bone resorption marker CTX suggested a decrease in bone degradation.

✅ Gut Health & Bone Connection – Increases in gut hormones GIP and GLP-1 were linked to reduced CTX levels, supporting overall bone integrity.

Let’s Talk About the Future of Bone Health

The science is clear—protein and calcium intake play a crucial role in maintaining strong bones. But how we source these nutrients is evolving. This study highlights an exciting pulse-based solution: Aquamin, combined with ATURA’s Fava Bean Protein Isolate, offers a compelling, sustainable way to support bone metabolism.

We’d love to hear from you! How do you see pulse-based nutrition shaping the future of bone health? Let’s continue the conversation. Drop us a comment, send us a message, or explore how ATURA Proteins can be part of your next innovation!