pm. The vegan diet is trendy. How this affects health is the subject of scientific research. In a new study by the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), the bone health of 36 vegans and 36 mixed dieters was determined with an ultrasound measurement on the heel bone. The result: people who followed a vegan diet had lower ultrasound values on average compared to the other group. This indicates lower bone health. In the study, the scientists also determined biomarkers in blood and urine. This should help identify nutrients that may be related to diet and bone health. From 28 parameters of nutritional status and bone metabolism, it was possible to identify twelve biomarkers that are most strongly associated with bone health – for example the amino acid lysine and vitamins A and B6. The results show that when combined with a vegan diet, these biomarkers were mostly present in lower concentrations. This could possibly explain the lower bone health. “The vegan diet is often considered health-conscious. However, our scientific findings indicate that the vegan diet has an impact on bone health, ”says BfR President Professor Dr. Dr. Andreas Hensel.
Important role in bone health
Diet plays an important role in bone health. This was examined more closely in the BfR cross-sectional study “Risks and advantages of the vegan diet”. 72 men and women took part in the study. The bone health of the heel bone was measured by ultrasound for all persons. Information on age, smoking status, education, body mass index, physical activity or alcohol consumption was also collected. Using a statistical model from 28 nutritional and bone-related parameters from blood or urine, the BfR was able to identify a pattern of twelve biomarkers that play an important role in bone health. It showed that vitamins A and B6, the amino acids lysine and leucine, the omega-3 fatty acids, selenoprotein P, iodine, thyroid-stimulating hormone, calcium, magnesium and the alpha clotho protein were positively associated with bone health . In contrast, lower concentrations of the hormone FGF23 were observed at higher ultrasound values in this pattern.
Taking into account further scientific studies, the results indicate that vegans have a lower intake of nutrients that are relevant for the skeleton and are mainly found in animal foods. Further studies are needed to clarify. Link to the publication: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/13/2/685/htm
About the BfR
The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) is a scientifically independent institution within the portfolio of the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL). It advises the federal government and the federal states on questions of food, chemical and product safety. The BfR conducts its own research on topics that are closely related to its assessment tasks.
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