Bone mineral density of Korean postmenopausal women is similar between vegetarians and nonvegetarians

The present study was performed to evaluate the bone mineral density (BMD), nutrient intakes, and mineral status of postmenopausal vegetarian women in Korea. The 2 study groups consisted of postmenopausal vegetarian women (n = 76), who maintained a vegetarian diet for over 20 years, and age-matched nonvegetarian controls (n = 76). Anthropometric measurements, dietary intakes, BMDs, and urinary deoxypiridinoline excretions between the 2 groups were compared. Forty-three subjects from each group provided blood samples, and the serum mineral concentrations were analyzed. The spine and femoral neck BMDs were not significantly different between the groups. In addition, the mean daily intakes of energy, protein, and calcium were not significantly different between the groups. The vegetarians consumed significantly greater quantities of magnesium, iron, copper, and isoflavones, as well as fruits, vegetables, and soybeans, but significantly less zinc, meat, and dairy than nonvegetarians. Vegetarians had significantly lower serum levels of ferritin (P < .01), zinc (P < .001), and copper (P < .05) than the controls. Korean vegetarian postmenopausal women had similar BMD to nonvegetarians, although they had lower body weights, body mass indexes, and availabilities of trace minerals. This may be related to the fact that the vegetarians consume more fruits and vegetables and higher levels of soybeans containing isoflavones. In addition, to improve the positive action of vegetarian diets on bone, maintaining a status of mineral balance by increasing calcium, iron, and zinc intakes may be important.