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Vegetarian Healthy Diet Program - VEGETARIAN DIET ARTICLES INDEX |
Vegan Diet Risks - Calcium AbsorptionMakers of calcium-fortified soy milks often claim that they contain as much calcium as cow's milk. It comes as no great surprise that a new study has shown that the bio-availability of the 'fortified' calcium in soy milk is only 75 percent that of calcium in regular milk. This is yet another reminder that chemical analysis of foods cannot tell us the amount of a nutrient actually utilised by the consumer. Vegan Diets Relying on Soy Milks May Be Low in CalciumRobert Heaney, author of the study, is critical of food producers who claim that supplements or added nutrients contain a certain amount of the nutrient but do not want to hear that bio-availability may be an issue. We are reminded that vegans or others who rely on non-dairy foods such as soy milk for their calcium intake will be at greater risk than previously thought of an inadequate calcium intake. This is at a time when recommended intake levels are being scaled upwards anyway. Heany states categorically that calcium-fortified soy milk does not constitute a calcium source comparable to cow's milk, unless of course the level is increased. Source: Heaney RP, Dowell MS, Rafferty K, and Bierman J: Bioavailability of the calcium in fortified soy imitation milk, with some observations on method Am J Clin Nutr 2000 Vegetarian Healthy Diet Program |
Vegetarian Diet InformationVegetarianism is a healthy option and vegetarian
diets can be perfectly healthy eating plans but care should be taken to
ensure optimum nutrition. So, whether following an ovo-lacto or other
type of vegetarian food plan, or vegan diet, for a healthy body and weight
make it a balanced eating plan and take regular exercise. Always consult
a doctor before beginning a weight loss diet or new fitness routine.
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