Abstract

Vegetarian diets are associated with factors that may not support bone health, such as low body mass and low intakes of protein; yet, these diets are alkaline, a factor that favors bone mineral density (BMD). This study compared the correlates of BMD in young, non-obese adults consuming meat-based (n = 27), lacto-ovo vegetarian (n = 27), or vegan (n = 28) diets for ≥1 year. A 24 h diet recall, whole body DXA scan, 24 h urine specimen, and fasting blood sample were collected from participants. BMD did not differ significantly between groups. Protein intake was reduced ~30% in individuals consuming lacto-ovo and vegan diets as compared to those consuming meat-based diets (68 ± 24, 69 ± 29, and 97 ± 47 g/day respectively, p = 0.006); yet dietary protein was only associated with BMD for those following vegan diets. Urinary pH was more alkaline in the lacto-ovo and vegan groups versus omnivores (6.5 ± 0.4, 6.7 ± 0.4, and 6.2 ± 0.4 respectively, p = 0.003); yet urinary pH was associated with BMD in omnivores only. These data suggest that plant-based diets are not detrimental to bone in young adults. Moreover, diet prescriptions for bone health may vary among diet groups: increased fruit and vegetable intake for individuals with high meat intakes and increased plant protein intake for individuals who follow a vegetarian diet plan.

Highlights

  • The adoption of a vegetarian diet has become increasingly popular in light of expert recommendations to follow plant-based diets for improved health outcomes

  • While vegetarianism is associated with several factors that may not support bone health, such as low body mass index (BMI) and low intakes of calcium, vitamins D and B12, and protein, these diets are high in nutrients that promote bone health, including magnesium, potassium, vitamins C and K, and the n-3 fatty acids [5,6]

  • The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between indicators of bone health and bone mineral density (BMD) in young, healthy, non-obese, sedentary adults adhering to meat-based, lacto-ovo vegetarian, or vegan diet

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Summary

Introduction

The adoption of a vegetarian diet has become increasingly popular in light of expert recommendations to follow plant-based diets for improved health outcomes. Vegetarianism is associated with health benefits including lower rates of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and some cancers [2,3]. While vegetarianism is associated with several factors that may not support bone health, such as low body mass index (BMI) and low intakes of calcium, vitamins D and B12, and protein, these diets are high in nutrients that promote bone health, including magnesium, potassium, vitamins C and K, and the n-3 fatty acids [5,6]. Vegetarian diets are more alkaline than omnivorous diets, a factor that favors higher bone mineral density [7,8,9]

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