Vegan Diets and Bone Fracture Risk: Examining the Facts
The Rise of Vegan Diets
Vegan diets, which strictly consist of plant-based foods and exclude all animal products, including dairy, have gained popularity for various reasons. Individuals often adopt these diets to address concerns about animal exploitation, to improve personal health, or to promote environmental sustainability.
Concerns About Nutritional Deficiencies
Despite their growing acceptance, there are significant concerns regarding the nutritional adequacy of vegan diets. Critics argue that such diets may lack essential nutrients vital for maintaining bone health, particularly protein.
Research Findings
A recent study conducted by researchers in Denmark and published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition sought to determine the relationship between vegan diets and the risk of bone fractures at the molecular level. The findings indicate that a vegan diet is linked to significant alterations in bone metabolism and turnover. These changes suggest an increased risk of fractures due to the exclusion of animal-based foods.
Further Reading
For more detailed information on the vegan diet and the implications of this study, please click here.
Reference
Hansen TH, Madsen MTB, Jørgensen NR, et al. Bone turnover, calcium homeostasis, and vitamin D status in Danish vegans. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2018;72(7):1046-1054. doi:10.1038/s41430-017-0081-y