The Study
Bone mineral density and body composition in Australians following plant-based diets vs. regular meat diets
This study looked at what people were already eating and measured their bones and muscles at one point in time. It can tell us that people who eat plant-based diets often have smaller waists, but it can't prove that the diet made their waists smaller—maybe people with smaller waists just choose plant-based food.
Analysis score
Maximum 44 for a cross-sectional study.
Where the score came from
This study looked at people who eat no meat or little meat and compared their bones and muscles to people who eat meat regularly.
Where does this study sit?
Reviews of RCTs (Meta-analyses)
Max 100Randomized Trials
Max 90Reviews of Cohort Studies
Max 85Cohort Studies
Max 72Reviews of Case-Control Studies
Max 63Case-Control Studies
Max 58Cross-Sectional & Case Series
Max 50Expert Opinion
Max 544 / 100
Quality score
Snapshots of a population at a single point in time, or descriptions of small groups. Can identify correlations and prevalence, but cannot determine cause and effect.
Key takeaways
Summary
Based on the study abstract and findings.
- 1The muscle and bone differences in lacto-ovo vegetarians are small and likely not harmful if protein and calcium intake is good.
- 2The smaller waist is a clear benefit for heart health.
- 3Vegans and other plant-eaters had smaller waists (3–5 cm smaller).
- 4Lacto-ovo vegetarians had 1.46 kg less muscle and slightly lower bone density scores.
- 5But overall, bone density, fat, and muscle percentage were the same.
- 6Everyone ate enough protein and calcium.
Score breakdown, methodology, conflicts of interest, evidence analysis & raw study data
Publication
Journal
Frontiers in Nutrition
Year
2024
Authors
G. Austin, J. Ferguson, S. Eslick, C. Oldmeadow, L. Wood, M.L. Garg
Related Content
Claims (6)
People who eat plant-based diets experience more bone fractures and higher rates of osteoporosis than people who consume animal protein.
Middle-aged Australian adults who eat plant-based diets with dairy and eggs have, on average, 1.46 kilograms less muscle mass and 0.41 standard deviations lower bone mineral density than those who eat meat, even when both groups consume the same amounts of calcium and protein.
Adults who eat plant-based diets, such as vegan or vegetarian, have measurably smaller waistlines than those who regularly eat meat.
Adults who eat plant-based diets consume less protein than those who eat meat, but their protein intake still meets or exceeds the recommended daily amount.
When nutrient intake is adequate, adults who eat plant-based diets have the same bone density and body composition—including fat and muscle levels—as adults who eat meat-based diets.
Adults who eat plant-based diets have the same blood levels of vitamin D as adults who eat meat diets, even though those on plant-based diets take more vitamin D supplements.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.