Comparison of correlates of bone mineral density in individuals adhering to lacto-ovo, vegan, or omnivore diets: a cross-sectional investigation

• Published in: Nutrients 2015-05, Vol.7 (5), p.3416-3426
• Main Authors: Knurick, Jessica R, Johnston, Carol S, Wherry, Sarah J, Aguayo, Izayadeth
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Absorptiometry, Photon; acid-base balance; Adult; Arizona - epidemiology; Biomarkers - blood; Biomarkers - urine; Body mass index; Bone Density; bone mineral density; Bone Resorption - blood; Bone Resorption - epidemiology; Bone Resorption - etiology; Bone Resorption - urine; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diet; Diet, Vegan - adverse effects; Diet, Vegetarian - adverse effects; Dietary Proteins - administration & dosage; Female; Fractures; Humans; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Male; Middle Aged; Nutrients; Nutrition Policy; Nutrition research; Poultry; protein; Proteins; Questionnaires; Risk; Sedentary Lifestyle; Urine; vegan; Veganism; vegetarian; Vegetarianism; Whole Body Imaging; Young Adult
• ISSN: 2072-6643; 2072-6643
• DOI: 10.3390/nu7053416

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.