Scientists discover side effect of vegan diet

Fans of a plant-based diet are 43% more prone to fractures than those who eat meat. This conclusion was reached by scientists at the University of Oxford.

They analyzed data from 54,898 volunteers who participated in the EPIC project for two decades, which studied the impact of different types of diets on the likelihood of developing cancer. The results of the study were published in Navy Medicine.

The study involved people of all ages who followed different diets:

• 29,380 participants ate meat;
• 8,037 people ate only plant-based foods and fish;
• 15,499 volunteers followed a vegetarian diet;
• 1982 people were vegans.

The scientists monitored the condition of all participants for 18 years. During this period, 3941 volunteers suffered serious bone fractures: people broke their hips, arms, legs, joints, and spine. Most of the serious injuries were recorded among vegetarians and vegans, i.e. those who gave up meat and other animal products.

Scientists explain this number of injuries by the fact that vegetarians and vegans lack protein in their bodies, which is necessary for cell growth and repair. It's no secret that most protein is found in animal products: eggs, meat, fish, and dairy products. Yes, protein can be found in some plant-based foods, such as legumes, nuts, wheat products, and others, but its content is obviously not enough for the body.

In addition, most adherents of a plant-based diet are deficient in calcium, which is known to have a significant impact on bone and dental health. Most of the calcium in our body comes from dairy products, which vegans do not consume at all. Adherents of a plant-based diet get calcium from various seeds, fruits, and vegetables, but this is clearly not enough.

To strengthen bones, fans of plant-based foods are advised to change their diet and add more sources of protein and calcium. Scientists say that it is important for all people to eat different types of food, including at least a minimum amount of meat.