By Alice McFarlane

USask researchers investigating benefits of pea-based milk versus dairy

Feb 14, 2025 | 3:10 PM

We’ve all been told that milk makes your bones stronger, but a new University of Saskatchewan (USask) research project is exploring whether some kinds of milk could be better for bone strength than others.

Dr. Phil Chilibeck, a professor at USask’s College of Kinesiology, said a new study will examine whether the benefits of pea protein – ingested as pea milk – could be more beneficial for your bones than dairy.

If this project can confirm pea protein has distinct bone health benefits, it could be used as a supplement for those suffering from osteoporosis.

“We were surprised to find the pea protein, for some reason, had just as good or even superior benefits sometimes when compared to dairy milk,” Chilibeck said. “Pulses, like peas, are good for everyone. If we can show that they’re beneficial for bone health, it opens up a new market for pulses.”

Chilibeck said the inspiration for this research came from a previous project he and his team had conducted into the effectiveness of proteins from different milks, such as dairy, pea and almond, for young athletes.

First time champion

Schmidt wins Canadian Challenge main 10-dog race

1h ago

Gallery of Trailblazers

Gallery of Trailblazers celebrates Dr. Shadd, many other Black pioneers

3h ago

Crime

American man guilty of illegal outfitting in Northern Sask. following lengthy investigation

4h ago

Knowing that animal-based proteins are typically marketed as nutritionally superior to plant-based alternatives, Chilibeck was expecting to find superior results from the dairy protein in their initial research.

During that experiment, while Chilibeck noted the gains from protein between dairy and pea milk were quite similar, there was a marked increase in bone geometric measures which are predictive of bone strength, especially in the hip bone, for those who drank pea milk after their workouts.

This newest project will focus on the older population. Researchers will prepare a workout plan for men and women aged 50 and up, and after each workout the participants will be given one of three types of milk – dairy for the control group, and then almond and pea milk respectively – to see which has the most overall benefits to bone health.

Chilibeck said this could be one more ‘weapon in the war chest’ for the battle to slow osteoporosis.

“We do a lot of research in the area of osteoporosis prevention,” Chilibeck said. “We’re excited to engage that population and give them the benefit of a supervised exercise program along with a nutritional supplement that could enhance the effects of that program for improving their bone health.”

Making a surprising discovery, and one that could have tangible health benefits for those living with a difficult disease, is the best part for Chilibeck.

“That’s the most exciting thing for me – when you find something that’s unexpected and then you can have a new recommendation for improving health,” he said.

–

alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @farmnewsNOW