Calcium intake in vegan and vegetarian diets: A systematic review and Meta-analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #vegans #calcium #diet-vegetarian #diet

Calcium intake in vegan and vegetarian diets: A systematic review and Meta-analysis

Bickelmann et al., 2023 | Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr | Meta Analysis

Citation

Bickelmann Franziska V, Leitzmann Michael F, ... Jochem Carmen. Calcium intake in vegan and vegetarian diets: A systematic review and Meta-analysis. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2023;63(31):10659-10677. doi:10.1080/10408398.2022.2084027

Abstract

In recent years, plant-based diets have experienced increasing popularity. However, plant-based diets may not always ensure an adequate supply of micronutrients, in particular calcium. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of calcium intake in vegan and vegetarian diets as compared to omnivorous diets. We searched PubMed and Web of Science and identified 2,009 potentially relevant articles. Mean calcium intake values were pooled and standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed.We analyzed 74 studies, including 7,356 vegan, 51,940 vegetarian, and 107,581 omnivorous participants. Of these, dietary calcium intake was examined in 23 studies of vegans, 60 studies of vegetarians and 74 studies of omnivores. Vegans showed a substantially lower calcium intake than vegetarians (SMD = -0.57; 95%CI = -0.83 to -0.32; p = <0.0001) and omnivores (SMD = -0.70; 95%CI = -0.95 to -0.59; p < 0.0001), whereas no statistically significant difference in calcium intake was noted between vegetarians and omnivores (SMD = 0.07; 95%CI = -0.04 to 0.19; p = 0.1976). In conclusion, vegans show a lower calcium intake than vegetarians and omnivores. This finding emphasizes the need for vegans to monitor their calcium status.

Key Findings

This finding emphasizes the need for vegans to monitor their calcium status.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 74
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Vegans
  • Calcium
  • Diet, Vegetarian
  • Diet
  • Diet, Vegan

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review, Journal Article
  • Vertical: calcium

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09