Vegetarian diet 'weakens bones' - Yahoo! News

No suprise. I've always questioned how a totally no-meat / no-dairy diet could give you everything you need for a healthy body.

"Given the rising number of vegetarians, roughly five percent (of people) in western countries, and the widespread incidence of osteoporosis, the issue is worth resolving," he said.

As a former vegetarian, a full-on vegetarian diet lacks the full nutritional value a human body needs, and vitamins, minerals, proteins, iron must be carefully supplemented in other ways. This is especially important as we age because our bodies peak, then start deteriorating biologically and chemically and need the extra sustainable boost from consuming a sensible, well balanced diet, along with exercise and a positive attitude of course.

I am not against a vegetarian diet, but do prefer that young people seek knowledge about enuring their body has everthing it needs. A young body will often absorb alot of abuse and neglect, but does not hold out over the long haul. My brother has been a vegetarian and a macrobiotic fan for years but in his later years he's the most unhealthy looking person I've ever met ... and his body is weak.

I tend to prefer the balance between any two extremes.