What should you know about vegan osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis weakens bone and may remain unnoticed until a fracture occurs. People eating vegan diets need a reliable pattern of calcium, vitamin D, protein and other nutrients, with attention to fortified foods and individual absorption. Other influences include age, hormones, body size, family history, medicines, smoking, alcohol and movement.

A clinician may review fractures, medical history and medicines before deciding whether a bone density scan is appropriate. Vitamin D deficiency is one possible contributor, but a vegan diet does not establish the diagnosis.

Review your usual meals with a doctor or dietitian. Include dependable calcium sources such as fortified plant drinks, calcium-set tofu, beans or leafy vegetables, and choose fortified foods that provide vitamin D when suitable. Include protein at meals and use weight-bearing activity and resistance exercise as your health allows.

Do not begin high-dose supplements without advice. A clinician can consider diet, blood tests, kidney health, medicines and whether vitamin D supplementation or calcium supplementation fits your situation. If osteoporosis is diagnosed, bisphosphonate therapy may be one treatment option.

Seek urgent assessment after a fall or sudden pain in the hip, back or wrist, especially if you cannot bear weight, use the hand normally or stand upright. A hip fracture, stress fracture or vertebral compression fracture can need prompt evaluation.

Arrange a review for new loss of height, persistent back pain, repeated falls or a fracture after a minor impact. Ask about assessment even when pain is absent if you have risk factors or take medicines that affect bone.

Ask which calcium and vitamin D sources suit your diet, whether testing or a bone density scan is needed, how exercise should be adjusted, and whether a fracture-prevention medicine is appropriate.