Veganism, bone mineral density, and body composition: a study in Buddhist nuns

Ho‐Pham, Lan T.; Nguyen, Paul L.; Le, TYL; Doan, Thuy; Tran, Ngoc Thanh; Le, Thi Anh Thu; Nguyen, Tuan V.

doi:10.1007/s00198-009-0916-z

Cited by 54 publications

(47 citation statements)

References 25 publications

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“…Because vegans tend to consume lower amounts of calcium, lower intake of that bone-related nutrient may be compensated by the ‘calcium-saving effects’ of the neutral character of vegan diets. This phenomenon would at least partly explain why (Western) vegetarians and vegans seem to have a bone density that does not significantly differ from omnivores clinically [22,55]. In spite of this, the effect of a vegan diet on bone health needs further examination [23].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, the interpretation of the effect of vegan diets on acid-base homeostasis and bone metabolism merits further consideration in light of the fact that vegans also generally consume high amounts of cereal grains [20,21], which are net acid producers [4]. Until now, the question of whether a vegetarian or a vegan diet has any positive or negative effect on bone health is a contentious issue [22,23]. …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Diet-Dependent Net Endogenous Acid Load of Vegan Diets in Relation to Food Groups and Bone Health-Related Nutrients: Results from the German Vegan Study

Schmeißer

Waldmann²,

Koschizke

et al. 2011

Ann Nutr Metab

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Background/Aims:Dietary composition has been shown to affect acid-base homeostasis and bone health in humans. We investigated the potential renal acid load (PRAL) and the estimated diet-dependent net acid load (net endogenous acid production, NEAP) in adult vegans and evaluated the relationships between NEAP, food groups and intake of bone health-related nutrients. Methods: The German Vegan Study (GVS) is a cross-sectional study. Data from healthy men (n = 67) and women (n = 87), aged 21–75 years, who fulfilled the study criteria (vegan diet for ≧1 year prior to study start; age ≧18 years, and no pregnancy/childbirth during the last 12 months) were included in the analysis. NEAP values were calculated from diet composition using two models: one based on the protein/potassium quotient and another taking into account an anthropometry-based loss of urinary organic anions. Results:Mean daily intakes of phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium and vitamin C were above, and vitamin D and calcium below Dietary Reference Intake (DRI). Regardless of the model used, the diet in the GVS was characterized by a nearly neutral NEAP. A strong correlation was observed between the NEAP values of the two models (r_s = 0.873, p < 0.001). Only the consumption of fruits decreased constantly across the increasing quartiles of NEAP. Conclusions: It can be hypothesized that vegan diets do not affect acid-base homeostasis. With respect to bone health, the significance of this finding needs further investigation.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Diet-Dependent Net Endogenous Acid Load of Vegan Diets in Relation to Food Groups and Bone Health-Related Nutrients: Results from the German Vegan Study

Schmeißer

Waldmann²,

Koschizke

et al. 2011

Ann Nutr Metab

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“…This is probably true as PTH is modulated by several other factors, particularly calcium intake. In this study, we did not assess dietary calcium intakes, but typical Vietnamese diets in general contain little dairy and thus have low calcium [44].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Vitamin D status and parathyroid hormone in a urban population in Vietnam

et al. 2010

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“…Factors contributing to the worldwide prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency vary among countries, but in all cases involve limitations in either or both cutaneous synthesis and dietary sources of vitamin D. High prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency seemingly has no socioeconomic or geographic boundaries based on recent reports of dramatic decreases in serum 25(OH)D levels in the US population [10], in European countries [2] and in some of the most sun-drenched countries of Asia and the Near East [1,[11][12][13]. We are only beginning to understand the importance of dietary sources of vitamin D in maintaining healthy vitamin D status in different countries, particularly those with ample sunshine year round, such as India.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Modern India and the vitamin D dilemma: Evidence for the need of a national food fortification program

Babu

Calvo

2010

Molecular Nutrition Food Res

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India is located between 8.4 and 37.6 degrees N latitude with the majority of its population living in regions experiencing ample sunlight throughout the year. Historically, Indians obtained most of their vitamin D through adequate sun exposure; however, darker skin pigmentation and the changes which have accompanied India's modernization, including increased hours spent working indoors and pollution, limit sun exposure for many. Inadequate sun exposure results in reduced vitamin D synthesis and ultimately poor vitamin D status if not compensated by dietary intake. Dietary vitamin D intake is very low in India because of low consumption of vitamin D rich foods, absence of fortification and low use of supplements. All these factors contribute to poor vitamin D status as measured by low circulating levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D. Our review searches the published literature specific to India for evidence that would confirm the need to fortify food staples with vitamin D or stimulate public health policies for vitamin D supplementation and dietary guidelines tailored to the Indian diet. This review documents findings of widespread vitamin D deficiency in Indian populations in higher and lower socioeconomic strata, in all age groups, in both genders and people in various professions. Moreover, poor vitamin D status in India is accompanied by increased bone disorders including osteoporosis, osteomalacia in adults and rickets and other bone deformities in children. Without a concerted national effort to screen for vitamin D status, to implement policies or guidelines for vitamin D fortification and/or supplementation and to re-assess recommended dietary intake guidelines, dramatic increase in the number of bone disorders and other diseases may lie ahead.

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Veganism, bone mineral density, and body composition: a study in Buddhist nuns

Abstract: These results suggest that, although vegans have much lower intakes of dietary calcium and protein than omnivores, veganism does not have adverse effect on bone mineral density and does not alter body composition.

Cited by 54 publications

References 25 publications

Diet-Dependent Net Endogenous Acid Load of Vegan Diets in Relation to Food Groups and Bone Health-Related Nutrients: Results from the German Vegan Study

Diet-Dependent Net Endogenous Acid Load of Vegan Diets in Relation to Food Groups and Bone Health-Related Nutrients: Results from the German Vegan Study

Vitamin D status and parathyroid hormone in a urban population in Vietnam

Modern India and the vitamin D dilemma: Evidence for the need of a national food fortification program

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