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Research: Vegetarian diet and fractures – Why are vegans more at risk?

People who follow a vegetarian diet, avoiding meat, are at greater risk of bone fractures, especially those of the hip. This is reported by a new British scientific study, the first to make this finding. Vegetarians who don’t eat any animal products (vegans) and fish eaters (pescatarians) are more likely to break a bone, probably due to a lack of calcium and protein, leaving them very weak.

The study

The researchers, led by epidemiologist-nutritionist Dr. Tammy Tong of the Department of Population Health at the University of Oxford, who published the relevant issue in the medical journal “BMC Medicine”, analyzed -in the context of long-term nutritional research -55,000 people with a mean age of 45 years at the start of the study. 29,380 of them ate meat, 8,037 ate fish but no meat, 15,499 were vegetarians who ate animal products but no meat, and 1,982 were vegetarians. Participants were followed for an average of 18 years, during which a total of 3,941 fractures occurred. It was found that, compared to meat eaters, whole vegetarians (vegans) were 43% more likely to have total fractures in their body, as well as in specific areas (hips, legs, spine). Vegetarians and fish eaters had a 25% higher risk of fracture, mainly in the hips. “The biggest difference in risk between meat eaters and vegetarians is hip fractures, where the risk for whole vegetarians is 2.3 times higher than for those who eat meat,” said Tami Tong. No difference in risk was found -depending on the type of diet- in some other fractures, such as arm (wrist), wrist or ankle. Previous studies have shown that low body mass index is associated with a higher risk of hip fracture, while low calcium and protein levels have both been associated with poorer bone health and an increased risk of fracture.

Body mass index

The researchers noted that vegans in particular have a lower average body mass index (usually very lean) and lower levels of calcium and protein than meat eaters. On the other hand, Tami Tong pointed out that “balanced and basically vegetarian diets can lead to improved nutrient levels and have been associated with lower risks for various diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes. “People should consider both the benefits and risks of their dietary choices and ensure that they have adequate levels of calcium and protein, as well as that they maintain a healthy body mass index, neither below nor above normal.” p. one is underweight under 18.5, while overweight over 25). Σεμινάρια Πρόσφατα Άρθρα Προσφορές από το ηλεκτρονικό κατάστημά μας Διάδρομος CT87 Περισσοτερα Vivosmart HR Black ΠερισσοτεραSyntha 6 EDGEΠερισσοτεραGoji Berry NLSΠερισσοτερα