Researchers: Alberto Falchetti, Guido Cavati, Roberto Valenti, Christian Mingiano, Roberta Cosso, Luigi Gennari, Iacopo Chiodini, Daniela Merlotti
In these recent years many people are adopting a vegetarian type diet due to the numerous positive health effects of this regimen such as the reduction of the incidence of many chronic disorders like diabetes, hypertension, obesity and cancer. However this diet is quite restrictive and so it could be possible to have a deficiency in some specific nutrients, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Although there are conflicting results on the effects of the vegetarian diet on bone health and fracture incidence, it is always recommendable in vegetarian people to have an adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D, through an increased intake of supplements, natural and fortified foods, an adequate intake of protein, fruit, vegetables, as well as vitamin B12. The aim of this literature review is to revise the actual knowledge of the effect of some nutrients and vegetarian diets on bone health.
References
- The Safe and Effective Use of Plant-Based Diets with Guidelines for Health Professionals.
- Perspective: Vegan Diets for Older Adults? A Perspective On the Potential Impact On Muscle Mass and Strength.
Topic: Vitamin B12 for Elderly