title: Comparison of correlates of bone mineral density in individuals adhering to lacto-ovo, vegan, or omnivore diets: a cross-sectional investigation.
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.
authors.affiliation: School of Nutrition and Health Promotion, Arizona State University, 500 N. 3rd Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA. jessica.knurick@asu.edu.
authors.forename: Jessica R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Knurick
authors.affiliation: School of Nutrition and Health Promotion, Arizona State University, 500 N. 3rd Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA. carol.johnstona@asu.edu.
authors.forename: Carol S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Johnston
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, 12631 East 17th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80045, USA. sarah.wherry@ucdenver.edu.
authors.forename: Sarah J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Wherry
authors.affiliation: The University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, 550 E. Van Buren St., Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA. iaguayo@email.arizona.edu.
authors.forename: Izayadeth
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Aguayo
mesh_terms: D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D000328:Adult; D001130:Arizona / Q000453:epidemiology; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood / Q000652:urine; D015519:Bone Density; D001862:Bone Resorption / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000652:urine; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D000067269:Diet, Vegan / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014676:Diet, Vegetarian / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018673:Nutrition Policy; D012306:Risk; D057185:Sedentary Behavior; D051598:Whole Body Imaging; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D004044:Dietary Proteins
keywords: acid-base balance; bone mineral density; protein; vegan; vegetarian