Association between vegetarian diets and bone health (823.2)

Low bone mineral density (BMD) is associated with an increased risk of osteoporotic fracture, and diet is considered an important modifiable risk factor linked to bone health. While vegetarian diets appear to exhibit health advantages, there is conflicting evidence regarding the effect of these diets on long-term bone health. Purpose: To compare dietary composition, protein status, and bone health in long-term omnivores (OMN) and vegetarians (VEG). Methods: Dietary intake and 24-hour urine was examined in healthy OMN (n=23) and VEG (n=46), aged 19-50 years (30.3 ± 8.0 y). Dietary status ranged from one-year to lifetime adherence. Each subject completed a 24-hour recall, administered by a trained nutritionist, to assess dietary intake and completed a 24-hour urine collection. Urinary nitrogen and calcium were measured in 24-hour urine with colorimetric enzymatic assays. After testing for normality, univariate analyses of total body BMD z-scores were controlled for body weight. Independent samples T-tests w...