People on a plant-based diet who do strength training as opposed to other forms of exercise such as biking or swimming may have stronger bones than other people on a vegan diet, according to new research.
Key Findings:
- People on a plant-based diet who do strength training may have stronger bones than other people on a vegan diet.
- Recent research shows a plant-based diet can be associated with lower bone mineral density and increased fracture risk.
- 6% of people in the United States are vegans.
Recommendations:
- Vegans should strength train at least once a week.
- Vegans should talk to their doctor about their bone health.
- Vegans should make sure they are getting enough calcium and vitamin D in their diet.
According to a recent scientific article published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism by the Endocrine Society, people who follow a plant-based diet and do strength training may have stronger bones compared to other forms of exercise such as biking or swimming.
The study compared data from 43 men and women on a plant-based diet for at least five years and 45 men and women on an omnivore diet for at least five years.
The researchers found that vegan participants who did resistance training exercises such as using machines, free weights, or bodyweight resistance exercises at least once a week had stronger bones than those who did not.
The article also states that recent research shows a plant-based diet can be associated with lower bone mineral density and increased fracture risk, which is a concern given that 6% of people in the United States are vegans.
Therefore, people who follow a vegan lifestyle should perform resistance training on a regular basis to preserve bone strength.