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The Proceedings of the Nutrition Society May 2022The concept of plant-based diets has become popular due to the purported benefits for both human health and environmental impact. Although 'plant-based' is sometimes... (Review)
Review
The concept of plant-based diets has become popular due to the purported benefits for both human health and environmental impact. Although 'plant-based' is sometimes used to indicate omnivorous diets with a relatively small component of animal foods, here we take it to mean either vegetarian (plant-based plus dairy products and/or eggs) or vegan (100% plant-based). Important characteristics of plant-based diets which would be expected to be beneficial for long-term health are low intakes of saturated fat and high intakes of dietary fibre, whereas potentially deleterious characteristics are the risk of low intakes of some micronutrients such as vitamin B, vitamin D, calcium and iodine, particularly in vegans. Vegetarians and vegans typically have lower BMI, serum LDL cholesterol and blood pressure than comparable regular meat-eaters, as well as lower bone mineral density. Vegetarians in the EPIC-Oxford study have a relatively low risk of IHD, diabetes, diverticular disease, kidney stones, cataracts and possibly some cancers, but a relatively high risk of stroke (principally haemorrhagic stroke) and bone fractures, in comparison with meat-eaters. Vegans in EPIC-Oxford have a lower risk of diabetes, diverticular disease and cataracts and a higher risk of fractures, but there are insufficient data for other conditions to draw conclusions. Overall, the health of people following plant-based diets appears to be generally good, with advantages but also some risks, and the extent to which the risks may be mitigated by optimal food choices, fortification and supplementation is not yet known.
Topics: Animals; Cataract; Diet; Diet, Vegan; Diet, Vegetarian; Diverticular Diseases; Humans
PubMed: 35934687
DOI: 10.1017/S0029665121003748 -
Nutrients Apr 2021As the incidence of Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (CNCDs) increases, preventive approaches become more crucial. In this review, calorie restriction (CR) effects on... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Review
As the incidence of Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (CNCDs) increases, preventive approaches become more crucial. In this review, calorie restriction (CR) effects on human beings were evaluated, comparing the benefits and risks of different CR diets: classic CR vs. ketosis-inducing diets, including intermittent fasting (IF), classic ketogenic diet (CKD), fasting mimicking diet (FMD), very-low-calorie ketogenic Diet (VLCKD) and Spanish ketogenic Mediterranean diet (SKMD). Special emphasis on insulin resistance (IR) was placed, as it mediates metabolic syndrome (MS), a known risk factor for CNCD, and is predictive of MS diagnosis. CR is the most robust intervention known to increase lifespan and health span, with high evidence and known biochemical mechanisms. CR improves cardiometabolic risk parameters, boosts exercise insulin sensitivity response, and there may be benefits of implementing moderate CR on healthy young and middle-aged individuals. However, there is insufficient evidence to support long-term CR. CKD is effective for weight and MS management, and may have additional benefits such as prevention of muscle loss and appetite control. SKMD has extreme significance benefits for all the metabolic parameters studied. Studies show inconsistent benefits of IF compared to classic CR. More studies are required to study biochemical parameters, reinforce evidence, identify risks, and seek effective and safe nutritional CR approaches.
Topics: Caloric Restriction; Diet, Ketogenic; Diet, Mediterranean; Fasting; Humans; Insulin Resistance; Ketosis; Longevity
PubMed: 33920973
DOI: 10.3390/nu13041302 -
Nutrients Aug 2023Nutrition fuels optimal performance for athletes. With increased research developments, numerous diets available, and publicity from professional athletes, a review of... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Nutrition fuels optimal performance for athletes. With increased research developments, numerous diets available, and publicity from professional athletes, a review of dietary patterns impact on athletic performance is warranted.
RESULTS
The Mediterranean diet is a low inflammatory diet linked to improved power and muscle endurance and body composition. Ketogenic diets are restrictive of carbohydrates and proteins. Though both show no decrements in weight loss, ketogenic diets, which is a more restrictive form of low-carbohydrate diets, can be more difficult to follow. High-protein and protein-paced versions of low-carbohydrate diets have also shown to benefit athletic performance. Plant-based diets have many variations. Vegans are at risk of micronutrient deficiencies and decreased leucine content, and therefore, decreased muscle protein synthesis. However, the literature has not shown decreases in performance compared to omnivores. Intermittent fasting has many different versions, which may not suit those with comorbidities or specific needs as well as lead to decreases in sprint speed and worsening time to exhaustion.
CONCLUSIONS
This paper critically evaluates the research on diets in relation to athletic performance and details some of the potential risks that should be monitored. No one diet is universally recommend for athletes; however, this article provides the information for athletes to analyze, in conjunction with medical professional counsel, their own diet and consider sustainable changes that can help achieve performance and body habitus goals.
Topics: Humans; Athletes; Athletic Performance; Diet, Carbohydrate-Restricted; Diet, Ketogenic; Diet, Mediterranean
PubMed: 37630702
DOI: 10.3390/nu15163511 -
Nutrients Jan 2024The low FODMAP (fermentable oligosaccharide, disaccharide, monosaccharide, and polyol) diet is a beneficial therapeutic approach for patients with irritable bowel... (Review)
Review
The low FODMAP (fermentable oligosaccharide, disaccharide, monosaccharide, and polyol) diet is a beneficial therapeutic approach for patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, how the low FODMAP diet works is still not completely understood. These mechanisms encompass not only traditionally known factors such as luminal distension induced by gas and water but also recent evidence on the role of FOMAPs in the modulation of visceral hypersensitivity, increases in intestinal permeability, the induction of microbiota changes, and the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), as well as metabolomics and alterations in motility. Although most of the supporting evidence is of low quality, recent trials have confirmed its effectiveness, even though the majority of the evidence pertains only to the restriction phase and its effectiveness in relieving abdominal bloating and pain. This review examines potential pathophysiological mechanisms and provides an overview of the existing evidence on the effectiveness of the low FODMAP diet across various IBS subtypes. Key considerations for its use include the challenges and disadvantages associated with its practical implementation, including the need for professional guidance, variations in individual responses, concerns related to microbiota, nutritional deficiencies, the development of constipation, the necessity of excluding an eating disorder before commencing the diet, and the scarcity of long-term data. Despite its recognized efficacy in symptom management, acknowledging these limitations becomes imperative for a nuanced comprehension of the role of a low FODMAP diet in managing IBS. By investigating its potential mechanisms and evidence across IBS subtypes and addressing emerging modulations alongside limitations, this review aims to serve as a valuable resource for healthcare practitioners, researchers, and patients navigating the intricate landscape of IBS.
Topics: Humans; Irritable Bowel Syndrome; FODMAP Diet; Fermentation; Disaccharides; Oligosaccharides; Diet; Monosaccharides; Diet, Carbohydrate-Restricted
PubMed: 38337655
DOI: 10.3390/nu16030370 -
European Journal of Nutrition Apr 2023This paper aims to present an overview of the definitions of "plant-based and "vegetarian diets" adopted by different organizations worldwide, proposing new standard... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
This paper aims to present an overview of the definitions of "plant-based and "vegetarian diets" adopted by different organizations worldwide, proposing new standard definitions and discussing the notion of vegetarianism as a restrictive dietary pattern.
METHODS
An extensive literature review on the different definitions of vegetarian and plant-based diets was conducted. Definitions of different international vegetarian and vegan organizations were also taken into account. Objective definitions for vegetarian and plant-based diets, as well as for their subcategories, were proposed. Other aspects related to how vegetarian diets are viewed and defined were also discussed.
RESULTS
We proposed that a vegetarian diet should be defined as "a dietary pattern that excludes meat, meat-derived foods, and, to different extents, other animal products". This definition would include, among others, ovolactovegetarian and vegan diets. The proposed definition for a plant-based diet was "a dietary pattern in which foods of animal origin are totally or mostly excluded". Other types of diets, such as flexitarian and pescetarian diets, could be considered plant-based. A vegetarian diet should not be considered restrictive. Instead, terms such as alternative or non-conventional could be used to define it and to distinguish it from the conventional diet adopted by most of the Western population.
CONCLUSION
This paper was able to elaborate objective definitions of vegetarian and plant-based diets. Standardizing nomenclatures may reduce misinterpretation and confusion in this field of study.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Diet, Vegetarian; Diet; Diet, Vegan; Vegetarians; Meat
PubMed: 36681744
DOI: 10.1007/s00394-023-03086-z -
Nutrients Feb 2021Endurance athletes need a regular and well-detailed nutrition program in order to fill their energy stores before training/racing, to provide nutritional support that... (Review)
Review
Endurance athletes need a regular and well-detailed nutrition program in order to fill their energy stores before training/racing, to provide nutritional support that will allow them to endure the harsh conditions during training/race, and to provide effective recovery after training/racing. Since exercise-related gastrointestinal symptoms can significantly affect performance, they also need to develop strategies to address these issues. All these factors force endurance athletes to constantly seek a better nutritional strategy. Therefore, several new dietary approaches have gained interest among endurance athletes in recent decades. This review provides a current perspective to five popular diet approaches: (a) vegetarian diets, (b) high-fat diets, (c) intermittent fasting diets, (d) gluten-free diet, and (e) low fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAP) diets. We reviewed scientific studies published from 1983 to January 2021 investigating the impact of these popular diets on the endurance performance and health aspects of endurance athletes. We also discuss all the beneficial and harmful aspects of these diets, and offer key suggestions for endurance athletes to consider when following these diets.
Topics: Athletes; Athletic Performance; Diet; Diet, Gluten-Free; Diet, High-Fat; Diet, Vegetarian; Dietary Carbohydrates; Fasting; Fermentation; Gastrointestinal Diseases; Humans; Nutritional Requirements; Physical Endurance; Sports; Sports Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
PubMed: 33540813
DOI: 10.3390/nu13020491 -
High Blood Pressure & Cardiovascular... Nov 2021Lifestyle improvement is a cornerstone of cardiovascular disease prevention and has a relevant effect on blood pressure control. During the last decades the attention of... (Review)
Review
Lifestyle improvement is a cornerstone of cardiovascular disease prevention and has a relevant effect on blood pressure control. During the last decades the attention of the researcher has focused on low-salt diets as the lifestyle modification most effective in blood pressure reduction. Current international guidelines thus suggest to stress the importance of the implementation of the dietary approach to stop hypertension (DASH) diet and of a low-salt Mediterranean diet to achieve the best results in term of blood pressure decrease. However, salt reduction in diet could be not the only nor the main determinant of blood pressure reduction under dietary treatment. DASH and low-salt Mediterranean diet are also characterized by a high intake of vegetables (NO and polyphenol sources), whole grains, some low-fat dairy products, and low intake of red meat, sugar, and trans-hydrogenated fats. Lacto-ovo vegetarian diet are also per se associated to a significant improvement in blood pressure levels. Moreover, these diets are particularly effective when associated with a significant weight loss. Furthermore, blood pressure can also be lowered by some nutraceuticals (beetroot, magnesium, vitamin C, catechin-rich beverages, lycopene, etc). The aim of this narrative review is to critically resume the most recent evidence supporting a complete approach to dietary counseling for hypertension prevention and management.
Topics: Diet, Mediterranean; Diet, Sodium-Restricted; Dietary Approaches To Stop Hypertension; Humans; Hypertension
PubMed: 34533781
DOI: 10.1007/s40292-021-00474-6 -
Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta. Reviews... Jan 2024The composition and pattern of dietary intake have emerged as key factors influencing aging, regeneration, and consequently, healthspan and lifespan. Cancer is one of... (Review)
Review
The composition and pattern of dietary intake have emerged as key factors influencing aging, regeneration, and consequently, healthspan and lifespan. Cancer is one of the major diseases more tightly linked with aging, and age-related mortality. Although the role of nutrition in cancer incidence is generally well established, we are far from a consensus on how diet influences tumour development in different tissues. In this review, we will discuss how diet and dietary restrictions affect cancer risk and the molecular mechanisms potentially responsible for their effects. We will cover calorie restriction, intermittent fasting, prolonged fasting, fasting-mimicking diet, time-restricted eating, ketogenic diet, high protein diet, Mediterranean diet, and the vegan and vegetarian diets.
Topics: Humans; Diet; Fasting; Caloric Restriction; Aging; Neoplasms
PubMed: 38147966
DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.189063 -
Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases 2023Despite the emergence of stronger nutritional science over the past two decades, fad diets remain highly popular. However, growing medical evidence has led to the... (Review)
Review
Despite the emergence of stronger nutritional science over the past two decades, fad diets remain highly popular. However, growing medical evidence has led to the endorsement of healthy eating patterns by medical societies. This thus allows fad diets to be compared to the emerging scientific evidence as to which diets promote or damage health. In this narrative review, the most popular current fad diets are critically analyzed, including low-fat diets, vegan and vegetarian diets, low-carbohydrate diets, ketogenic diets, Paleolithic diets, and intermittent fasting. Each of these diets has some scientific merit, but each has potential deficiencies relative to the findings of nutritional science. This article also presents the common themes that emerge among the dietary guidance of leading health organizations, such as the American Heart Association and the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. While there are important distinctions between dietary recommendations emanating from various medical societies, each recommends eating more unrefined, plant-based foods, while eating fewer highly processed foods and added sugars, and avoiding excessive calorie consumption as an important nutritional strategy for the prevention and management of chronic conditions and promotion of overall health.
Topics: Humans; Diet; Diet, Healthy; Diet, Vegetarian; Energy Intake; Feeding Behavior; United States; Popular Culture
PubMed: 36871888
DOI: 10.1016/j.pcad.2023.02.001 -
The Lancet. Diabetes & Endocrinology Dec 2015The effectiveness of low-fat diets for long-term weight loss has been debated for decades, with many randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and recent reviews giving mixed... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
The effectiveness of low-fat diets for long-term weight loss has been debated for decades, with many randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and recent reviews giving mixed results. We aimed to summarise the large body of evidence from RCTs to determine whether low-fat diets contribute to greater weight loss than participants' usual diet, low-carbohydrate diets, and other higher-fat dietary interventions.
METHODS
We did a systematic review and random effects meta-analysis of RCTs comparing the long-term effect (≥1 year) of low-fat and higher-fat dietary interventions on weight loss by searching MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews to identify eligible trials published from database inception up until July 31, 2014. We excluded trials if one intervention group included a non-dietary weight loss component but the other did not, and trials of dietary supplements or meal replacement drink interventions. Data including the main outcome measure of mean difference in weight change between interventions, and whether interventions were intended to lead to weight loss, weight maintenance, or neither, were extracted from published reports. We estimated the pooled weighted mean difference (WMD) with a DerSimonian and Laird random effects method.
FINDINGS
3517 citations were identified by the search and 53 studies met our inclusion criteria, including 68 128 participants (69 comparisons). In weight loss trials, low-carbohydrate interventions led to significantly greater weight loss than did low-fat interventions (18 comparisons; WMD 1·15 kg [95% CI 0·52 to 1·79]; I(2)=10%). Low-fat interventions did not lead to differences in weight change compared with other higher-fat weight loss interventions (19 comparisons; WMD 0·36 kg [-0·66 to 1·37; I(2)=82%), and led to a greater weight decrease only when compared with a usual diet (eight comparisons; -5·41 kg [-7·29 to -3·54]; I(2)=68%). Similarly, results of non-weight-loss trials and weight maintenance trials, for which no low-carbohydrate comparisons were made, showed that low-fat versus higher-fat interventions have a similar effect on weight loss, and that low-fat interventions led to greater weight loss only when compared with usual diet. In weight loss trials, higher-fat weight loss interventions led to significantly greater weight loss than low-fat interventions when groups differed by more than 5% of calories obtained from fat at follow-up (18 comparisons; WMD 1·04 kg [95% CI 0·06 to 2·03]; I(2)=78%), and when the difference in serum triglycerides between the two interventions at follow-up was at least 0·06 mmol/L (17 comparisons; 1·38 kg [0·50 to 2·25]; I(2)=62%).
INTERPRETATION
These findings suggest that the long-term effect of low-fat diet intervention on bodyweight depends on the intensity of the intervention in the comparison group. When compared with dietary interventions of similar intensity, evidence from RCTs does not support low-fat diets over other dietary interventions for long-term weight loss.
FUNDING
National Institutes of Health and American Diabetes Association.
Topics: Body Weight; Diet, Carbohydrate-Restricted; Diet, Fat-Restricted; Diet, High-Fat; Diet, Reducing; Female; Humans; Male; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Weight Loss
PubMed: 26527511
DOI: 10.1016/S2213-8587(15)00367-8