Higher dietary protein intake, including from animal sources, is associated with improved bone mineral density.

Study: Protein intake and bone mineral density: Cross‐sectional relationship and longitudinal effects in older adults

People who eat more protein, especially from meat and dairy, tend to have slightly denser bones than those who eat less. But giving extra protein pills for a few months didn’t make bones stronger.

Study: Effect of dietary protein intake on bone mineral density and fracture incidence in older adults in the Health, Aging, and Body Composition study.

People who ate more protein, especially from animal sources, had stronger bones at the start of the study and were less likely to break a spine bone over five years, even though their bones still weakened at the same rate as others over time.

Study: Associations between Macronutrients Intake and Bone Mineral Density: A Longitudinal Analysis of the Health Workers Cohort Study Participants

People who ate more protein from animals, and less carbs, ended up with stronger bones over time — especially women. So eating more protein helps bones get denser.

Study: Protein intake: effects on bone mineral density and the rate of bone loss in elderly women.

People who eat more protein and get enough calcium tend to have stronger bones in their spine, arms, and whole body—though protein alone didn’t stop bones from weakening over three years. So yes, more protein is linked to denser bones, as long as you also get enough calcium.