Worried about osteoporosis? To protect our health we need the
vitamins and minerals found in plant foods.

The Vegan Society today called for bodies responsible for
combating the near-epidemic of osteoporosis in the western
world to focus on plant foods rich in potassium and vitamin K,
which reduce calcium losses without any detrimental effects on
health, rather than on dairy products which increase calcium
losses and contribute unhealthy saturated fat to the food supply
at the same time as providing calcium.

It's not just vegans who are sceptical of the health claims made
for dairy products. The Sunday Times Magazine (21/07/02) noted
widespread bias in research into the health benefits and
hazards of dairy products, pointing out that all the beneficial
components of milk are found in fruits and vegetables, plus the
added benefit of protecting against other diseases, and advising
readers, "Next time you hear a dietary expert saying milk and
dairy are essential parts of a well-balanced diet be advised you
are in the presence of a nincompoop".

There are two fundamental errors in public policy with regard to
promoting healthy bones: the undue pre-eminence accorded to
calcium and the erroneous view that calcium is synonymous
with dairy products. Dairy products are not the best source of
calcium as they cause calcium losses at the same time as
increasing calcium intake. Bone health is influenced positively
by many nutrients, including potassium, vitamin K, calcium,
vitamin D, and magnesium, and negatively by sodium and
excessive protein.

Walter Willett of Harvard Medical School (nether a vegetarian nor
a vegan) notes that "there are more reasons not to drink milk in
large amounts than there are to drink it", pointing to the
weakness of evidence for a protective effect of adult dairy
consumption on bone health and the strength of evidence for
adverse effects of dairy products on heart disease and prostate
cancer. For anyone wanting more
calcium than provided by their usual diet, Willett suggests that
"calcium supplements are the best way to do this" as they meet
the need without adding unhealthy extra fat and calories. [Ref:
"Eat, Drink and Be Healthy", The Harvard Medical School Guide
to Healthy Eating. 2001 Walter C Willett, MD]

In the UK, the National Osteoporosis Society, whose donors
include Dairy Crest, Express Dairies PLC, Unigate Dairies Ltd,
Muller Dairy UK Ltd and The Nestle Charitable Trust (NOS
Accounts 2000/2001), agree. Their publication "Diet & Bone
Health" (page 32) confirms that "vegans can maintain a very
healthy calcium intake from tofu, green leafy vegetables, nuts
and dried fruit, which all contain high calcium levels. The lack of
animal protein in your diet may also make more calcium
available for your bones..."

A vegan diet including plenty of fruit and vegetables provides
abundant bone-protecting potassium and vitamin K along with
good amounts of calcium, particularly if green leafy vegetables or
calcium-set tofu are used regularly. It also provides abundant
folate, carotenoids and other protective antioxidants which may
reduce risk of heart disease and cancers. Levels of saturated fat
are healthfully low and there is no cholesterol whatever. The
advantages of the green stuff over the white stuff are scientifically
beyond dispute.

Contact: Stephen Walsh PhD tel. 07967 361510
email <stephen_walsh@...>

Office: Tel 01424 448828 Fax 01424 717064
Out of hours : 07944068432

Editors notes:
The Vegan Society (Reg. Charity No. 279228) was established in
November 1944 to promote a healthy diet, whilst at the same
time avoiding animal exploitation and the wasteful use of the
world's resources.

World Vegan Day is celebrated on 1st November - National
Vegan Week (U.K.) is 27 October - 3 November 2002 see
www.worldveganday.org . This year's theme targets caterers to
encourage them to provide more food that everyone can enjoy.

The Vegan Society publishes The Vegan Shopper - a guide to
animal free shopping, the vegan passport and a travel guide.

For more information about The Vegan Society see
www.vegansociety.com or telephone local rate number 0845 45
88244.