Osteoporosis is a disease characterised by a loss of bone mass and the structure deterioration of bone tissue, resulting in bone fragility and fractures. This disease imposes major burden on the health economy and being recognised as one of the major public health problems worldwide. To date, many strategies have been developed with the aim of preventing bone loss and increasing bone mass, these include involvement in physical activity programmes and through appropriate nutritional intake. Honey contains mainly carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus and magnesium, which are believed to be important for enhancing bone health. This article discusses the findings of several research studies on bone properties and blood bone metabolism markers in response to combined exercises and honey supplementation in animals and humans, which have been carried out by the bone and exercise research team of Universiti Sains Malaysia.
Introduction: This study investigated the effect of combined plant-based protein supplementation and resistance training on muscular strength, blood markers of protein catabolism, immune function, and bone metabolism in sed- entary adult males. Methods: In this randomised, double-blinded study, 28 healthy males aged 19 – 29 years old were equally assigned into four groups: a combined plant-based protein with resistance training (PBPEX), plant- based protein alone (PBP), resistance training alone (EX) and control (C). Mode of resistance training was flat barbell press, machine shoulder press, wide grip lateral pull-down, seated cable row, barbell back squat, leg press and leg extension. The 8-week resistance training involved three sets of 60-70% of one-repetition maximum (1-RM) at 4-6 repetition/set/mode per session, three sessions/week. Participants in PBPEX and PBP groups consumed a plant-based protein supplement consisted of 9.8 g soy and pea protein for seven days/week. Results: PBPEX showed significant increases (p