Is vegetable protein more beneficial to bone than animal protein?

The aim of this presentation was to assess the impact of a ‘vegetarian diet’ on indices of skeletal integrity. Analyses of existing literature were assessed in relation to bone health for: lacto-ovo-vegetarian and vegan diets vs. omnivorous; predominantly meat diets; consumption of animal vs. vegetable protein; fruit and vegetable consumption. The key findings include: (i) no differences in bone health indices between lacto-ovo-vegetarians and omnivores; (ii) conflicting data for protein effects on bone, with high and low protein intake being detrimental to the skeleton; (iii) growing support for a beneficial effect of fruit and vegetable intake on bone, with mechanisms of action currently remaining unclarified.