Bone Health Implications of Plant-Based Diets
Summary
Plant-based diets are increasingly adopted for environmental and health reasons, yet their impact on skeletal integrity demands careful consideration. Compared with omnivorous regimens, vegetarian and vegan eating patterns often deliver lower amounts of calcium, vitamin D, high-quality protein and certain trace elements, while tending towards a more alkaline acid–base profile that may reduce bone resorption. Epidemiological evidence indicates that individuals following strict plant-based diets can exhibit reduced bone mineral density and an elevated risk of hip and other fractures, a phenomenon partly explained by lower body mass index and suboptimal nutrient status. Nonetheless, well-planned vegetarian and vegan diets that incorporate fortified foods, supplements and diverse plant proteins can support bone maintenance. Strategies emphasise regular monitoring of bone health, adequate intake of key nutrients, weight management and tailored exercise programmes. Understanding the balance between acid load, nutrient sufficiency and mechanical loading provides a framework for mitigating skeletal risks while preserving the broader benefits of plant-centred nutrition.
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Bone Health Implications of Plant-Based Diets publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in bone health implications of plant-based diets across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Bone mineral density (BMD): A measurement of mineral content in bone tissue, reflecting skeletal strength and fracture susceptibility.
Quantitative ultrasound (QUS): A non-invasive assessment technique that evaluates bone quality by recording the passage of sound waves through bone.
Body mass index (BMI): A metric calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in metres squared, used to assess nutritional status and health risk.
References
- Risk of hip fracture in meat-eaters, pescatarians, and vegetarians: a prospective cohort study of 413,914 UK Biobank participants. BMC Medicine (2023).
- Vegan Diet and Bone Health—Results from the Cross-Sectional RBVD Study. Nutrients (2021).
- The role of low acid load in vegetarian diet on bone health: a narrative review. Swiss Medical Weekly (2016).
- Risk of hip fracture in meat-eaters, pescatarians, and vegetarians: results from the UK Women’s Cohort Study. BMC Medicine (2022).
- The effects of vegetarian diets on bone health: A literature review. Frontiers in Endocrinology (2022).
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