The Claim
In 5–6-year-old children, a lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet is associated with higher levels of carboxylated osteocalcin (Gla-OC) and a higher Gla-OC/Glu-OC ratio compared to an omnivorous diet, indicating altered vitamin K-dependent osteocalcin metabolism.
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
Children aged 5–6 who eat a lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet have higher levels of carboxylated osteocalcin and a higher ratio of carboxylated to uncarboxylated osteocalcin than children who eat an omnivorous diet, suggesting differences in how vitamin K is used in bone metabolism.
See the scientific wording
In 5–6-year-old children, a lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet is associated with higher levels of carboxylated osteocalcin (Gla-OC) and a higher Gla-OC/Glu-OC ratio compared to omnivorous children, suggesting altered vitamin K-dependent osteocalcin metabolism, though the clinical relevance remains uncertain due to unmeasured vitamin K intake.
Children who eat plant-based foods, dairy, and eggs but no meat have more of a bone protein that is fully activated by vitamin K, which makes it bind better to bone minerals. This happens because their diet may provide less vitamin K or less of it that the body can use, so the bone cells make more of the activated form to compensate, even though their bones are just as strong.
What the research says
1 studyKids who eat vegetables, dairy, and eggs but no meat had more of a special bone protein that needs vitamin K to work properly, compared to kids who eat meat — even though their bones were just as strong.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.