Vegan Bone Health

[Guest guest]

Hi Jack,

 

The original statement is correct, though I doubt many understand why. From the NCBI abstract you cite:

 

"Therefore increasing intake of purified proteins from either animal or plant sources similarly increases urinary calcium."

 

This statement is simply incorrect. Different proteins are of very different composition. In general, proteins from animal food sources are much higher in the amino acid methionine than are proteins from plant sources. Methionine brings with it a core sulfur molecule, which leaves a strong acid ash at the conclusion of the digestive process. A significant portion of this acid ash never makes it to the urine, it is neutralized as best the body can and then removed by the most direct and efficient route, in the feces. The NCBI article, and many writings on this topic, simply do not acknowledge this component of the elimination.

 

If this were not the case, then how can one possibly explain the explosion of osteoporosis and related diagnoses?

 

Among common plant-based foods, the protein in soy mimics the protein in animal foods more closely than do most others. So there can be some calcium (and sodium) depletion from eating soy, as well.

 

Again from the abstract: "the high amount of calcium in milk compensates for urinary calcium losses generated by milk protein. ... The hypocalciuric effect of the high phosphate associated with the amino acids of meat at least partially offsets the hypercalciuric effect of the protein."

 

Now, we have to know what we are reading to fully get what is being said here. These statements assert that the CONTENT of the food provides compensating input against calcium loss resulting from the food. But this does not take into account absorption, and it does not take into account that the body would only take alkaline resources from structured (fully constructed) bone in the absence of adequate unstructured acid-neutralizing components.

 

The deficit is very real, and very destructive over time.

 

Regarding your second point, it is correct to say that vegans consume, on average, less protein overall than to meat-eaters/SAD eaters, 11-12% of calories for the vegans, 16% or so of calories for the SAD eaters.

 

Healthful protein consumption lies in the range 3-6% of calories, assuming a healthful diet and adequate rest and physical activity.

 

Best regards,

Elchanan

 

 

 

Jack Norris [jacknorris]

Wednesday, June 10, 2009 11:22 AM

 

Re: Vegan Bone Health

 

> Posted by: "Wynelle Ulrich" wynelleu wynelleulrich Fri Jun 5, 2009 5:22 pm (PDT)

 

> After drinking a glass of cows' milk, your body actually ends up in a net deficit of calcium due to the bones. Excess protein is very hard on our bones and calcium stores.

 

With all due respect, and as much as I don't think people should drink milk because of the suffering (and slaughter) of most cows, milk does not cause a net calcium deficit in normally consumed (or possibly any) amounts. Check out this abstract:

 

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12612170

 

And it would be rare for a vegan to eat so much protein that it causes them long-term harm. I would recommend this article for people who are interested in the subject:

 

http://tinyurl.com/ku8rjq

 

Jack Norris, Registered Dietitian

[Guest guest]

Hi Jack,Thank you for the abstract link - I was curious who funded the study and found it very interesting that it was supported by the National Dairy Council...DonnaPosted by: "Jack Norris"

jacknorris

 

 

b12boy2000

 

 

Wed Jun 10, 2009 11:24 am (PDT) > Posted by: "Wynelle Ulrich" wynelleu (AT) pacbell (DOT) net wynelleulrich

Fri Jun 5, 2009 5:22 pm (PDT)

 

> After drinking a glass of cows' milk, your body actually ends up in a net

deficit of calcium due to the bones

 

> Excess protein is very hard on our bones and calcium stores.

 

With all due respect, and as much as I don't think people should drink milk

because of the suffering (and slaughter) of most cows, milk does not cause a

net calcium deficit in normally consumed (or possibly any) amounts. Check

out this abstract:

 

http://www.ncbi. nlm.nih.gov/ pubmed/12612170

 

Jack Norris, Registered Dietitian

Vegan Outreach

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