Dairy vs Plant-based Beverages for Improving Bone Health During Exercise

Dairy Versus Plant-based Beverages Combined With Resistance-training for Improving Bone Health

This study will evaluate the effects of consuming dairy milk versus two plant-based beverages (pea-based, and almond-based) after resistance training sessions (3 times per week for 12 months) on bone properties (bone mineral density, bone geometry), body composition, strength, and functional performance in post-menopausal women and men 50y and older.

The purpose of the study is to compare consumption of dairy milk (1% chocolate milk) to plant-based beverages (protein-matched pea beverage and low-protein almond beverage) after resistance-training sessions on bone mineral density, bone geometric properties, lean tissue and fat mass, muscular strength, and functional performance. One-hundred and fifty postmenopausal women and men 50y or older will be randomized to one of three groups: 1) Dairy milk; 2) pea-beverage; 3) almond beverage. The study will be double-blind, accomplished by chocolate flavoring of each beverage. Participants will do supervised strength-training sessions three times per week for 12 months. After each strength-training session, participants will consume 375 ml of their beverage and then consume 375 ml of their beverage again one hour later.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Women need to be postmenopausal (no age limit)
• Men need to be 50y or older

Exclusion Criteria:

• Taking medications that might affect bone
• Conditions that might preclude participating in a resistance-training program (determined by the "Get Active Questionnaire").
• Planning 6 weeks of travel during the 12 month intervention period
• Planning major surgery during the 12 month intervention period
• Already strength training greater than 2 days per week for 30 minutes or longer per session
• Allergies to ingredients in the beverages