Contributors: Dr. Adrian Lau, Dr. Phil Chilibeck, Dr. Wendy Ward, Dr. Joanna Sale, Dr. Jenny Thain, Dr. Teri Charrois, Dr. Laura Rothman, Irma Dijak, Tammy Clark
“Pea milk” is actually non-dairy and does not contain any milk. The formal name for “pea milk” is pea beverage.
Osteoporosis Canada has received many questions about pea beverages. “Is Pea Milk really good for bone and muscle health?”
This question was prompted by news reports about the benefits of “pea milk”: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/osteoporosis-dairy-pea-milk-pulse-growers-1.7467235
This research is led by Dr. Phil Chilibeck, a professor of kinesiology at the University of Saskatchewan, and a member of Osteoporosis Canada’s Scientific Advisory Council.
Although his full research is still being prepared for publication, he has shared some important findings in published summaries and at conferences.
His previous research showed that fortified pea beverage and dairy milk provided similar benefits to adolescent athletes for improving body composition and strength after resistance and weight training, when compared to low-protein almond beverage.
As a fortified beverage, fortified pea beverages have been fortified with nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D and protein to mimic the nutrient profile of cow’s milk.
A cup of fortified pea beverage has a similar protein content as a cup of dairy milk, whereas a cup of fortified almond beverage has lower protein content.
Dr. Chilibeck’s new research will focus on the bone health of men and women over the age of 50, who are participating in regular resistance training, and randomized to dairy milk, low-protein almond beverage, or fortified pea beverage. Stay tuned for publication of his results this summer.
Osteoporosis Canada recommends adequate consumption of Calcium, Vitamin D, Magnesium, Protein and Vitamin K for good bone health. There is some data to suggest that Ca from plant beverages is less available to our bodies due to other components in plants. However, fortified pea beverages can be a good source of dietary calcium, vitamin D and protein for bone and muscle health, and can be a part of a healthy, well-balanced diet. Fortified pea beverages may be an option particularly for those who are lactose intolerant or prefer vegan options.
Osteoporosis Canada’s Nutrient Calculator is a useful tool that can assist Canadians in achieving a healthy diet for their bone and muscle health.
A comparison of cow’s milk to fortified pea and almond beverages
| Serving size | Calcium | Vitamin D | Protein | |
| Cow’s milk (2%) | 250 mL / 1 cup | 309 mg | 2.6 ug | 9 g |
| Fortified Pea Beverage | 250 mL / 1 cup | 500 mg | 5 ug | 8 g |
| Fortified Almond beverage | 250 mL / 1 cup | 312 mg | 2.1 ug | 1.07 g |
* Exact nutrition content may differ, depending on the brand of the product. Please check your product’s nutrition table for exact amounts
Scientific Advisory Council
Osteoporosis Canada’s rapid response team, made up of members of the Scientific Advisory Council, creates position statements as news breaks regarding osteoporosis. The position statements are used to inform both the healthcare professional and the patient. The Scientific Advisory Council (SAC) is made up of experts in Osteoporosis and bone metabolism and is a volunteer membership.
