The Study
Risk of Osteoporosis and Anemia in Plant-Based Diets: A Systematic Review of Nutritional Deficiencies and Clinical Implications
This study looked at lots of other studies that watched people eating plant-based diets over time and noticed that those who didn't plan their meals well often had low iron or calcium. But it didn't prove that the diet itself caused the problems—it just showed they often happen together.
Analysis score
Maximum 85 for a systematic review.
Where the score came from
Eating only plants can mean missing key nutrients like iron, calcium, and B12 that your body needs to make blood and keep bones strong.
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 528 / 100
Quality score
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of cohort studies. They sit above a single cohort study but below a single randomized trial, because the underlying evidence is still observational.
Key takeaways
Summary
Based on the study abstract and findings.
- 1Yes — without planning, vegans can get tired, dizzy, or break bones more easily, but with the right foods or pills, they stay just as healthy as meat-eaters.
- 2People who don't eat animal products are more likely to have low iron, low B12, and weaker bones — but eating fortified foods or taking supplements can fix this.
Score breakdown, methodology, conflicts of interest, evidence analysis & raw study data
Publication
Journal
Cureus
Year
2025
Authors
Folasade E Akinwumi, Amos O Akinyemi, Benjamin O Akangbe, Oluwasanmi M Odeniran, Johnathan Sehkar, Christiana O Olajimbiti, Oluwatobi H Ajayi
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.
Vegan diets that lack dairy and fortified foods often provide insufficient calcium, leading to lower bone density and a higher rate of bone fractures when the calcium comes from sources high in phytates and oxalates.
People over 50, especially postmenopausal women, who follow plant-based diets lacking sufficient calcium, vitamin D, and protein have lower bone density and a higher risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
People following poorly planned plant-based diets have higher rates of iron-deficiency anemia because plant-based iron is less easily absorbed and dietary intake is often too low, especially in menstruating women, children, and older adults; this leads to lower hemoglobin levels and increased fatigue and cognitive impairment.
People following well-planned plant-based diets that include fortified foods, vitamin C-rich foods, and supplements of vitamin B12, calcium, and vitamin D have lower rates of anemia and osteoporosis.
Long-term vegans who do not consume fortified foods or supplements often develop vitamin B12 deficiency, which leads to megaloblastic anemia and irreversible neurological damage.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.