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Nutrients Mar 2019Vegetarian and vegan diets have increased worldwide in the last decades, according to the knowledge that they might prevent coronary heart disease, cancer, and type 2... (Review)
Review
Vegetarian and vegan diets have increased worldwide in the last decades, according to the knowledge that they might prevent coronary heart disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes. Althought plant-based diets are at risk of nutritional deficiencies such as proteins, iron, vitamin D, calcium, iodine, omega-3, and vitamin B12, the available evidence shows that well planned vegetarian and vegan diets may be considered safe during pregnancy and lactation, but they require a strong awareness for a balanced intake of key nutrients. A review of the scientific literature in this field was performed, focusing specifically on observational studies in humans, in order to investigate protective effects elicited by maternal diets enriched in plant-derived foods and possible unfavorable outcomes related to micronutrients deficiencies and their impact on fetal development. A design of pregestational nutrition intervention is required in order to avoid maternal undernutrition and consequent impaired fetal growth.
Topics: Diet, Vegan; Diet, Vegetarian; Female; Fetal Growth Retardation; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Newborn, Diseases; Lactation; Malnutrition; Maternal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Micronutrients; Nutritional Requirements; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications
PubMed: 30845641
DOI: 10.3390/nu11030557 -
Critical Reviews in Food Science and... Nov 2017Beneficial effects of vegetarian and vegan diets on health outcomes have been supposed in previous studies. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Beneficial effects of vegetarian and vegan diets on health outcomes have been supposed in previous studies.
OBJECTIVES
Aim of this study was to clarify the association between vegetarian, vegan diets, risk factors for chronic diseases, risk of all-cause mortality, incidence, and mortality from cardio-cerebrovascular diseases, total cancer and specific type of cancer (colorectal, breast, prostate and lung), through meta-analysis.
METHODS
A comprehensive search of Medline, EMBASE, Scopus, The Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar was conducted.
RESULTS
Eighty-six cross-sectional and 10 cohort prospective studies were included. The overall analysis among cross-sectional studies reported significant reduced levels of body mass index, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and glucose levels in vegetarians and vegans versus omnivores. With regard to prospective cohort studies, the analysis showed a significant reduced risk of incidence and/or mortality from ischemic heart disease (RR 0.75; 95% CI, 0.68 to 0.82) and incidence of total cancer (RR 0.92; 95% CI 0.87 to 0.98) but not of total cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, all-cause mortality and mortality from cancer. No significant association was evidenced when specific types of cancer were analyzed. The analysis conducted among vegans reported significant association with the risk of incidence from total cancer (RR 0.85; 95% CI, 0.75 to 0.95), despite obtained only in a limited number of studies.
CONCLUSIONS
This comprehensive meta-analysis reports a significant protective effect of a vegetarian diet versus the incidence and/or mortality from ischemic heart disease (-25%) and incidence from total cancer (-8%). Vegan diet conferred a significant reduced risk (-15%) of incidence from total cancer.
Topics: Cardiovascular Diseases; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diet, Vegan; Diet, Vegetarian; Health Status; Humans; Neoplasms; Prospective Studies; Vegetarians
PubMed: 26853923
DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2016.1138447 -
Nutrients Mar 2021Plant-based diets (PBDs) are increasingly consumed by the Italian population and around the world. In particular, among PBDs, the vegan diet is a food pattern... (Review)
Review
Plant-based diets (PBDs) are increasingly consumed by the Italian population and around the world. In particular, among PBDs, the vegan diet is a food pattern characterized by the exclusion of all animal-origin foods. What drives people to adopt this model are mainly ethical, health and environmental reasons. A vegan diet, if well-balanced and varied, can help in achieving and maintaining an optimal state of health. However, this nutritional approach, if not well-balanced, can cause deficiencies in proteins, ω-3 fatty acids, iron, vitamin D and calcium, zinc, iodine and, above all, vitamin B12. Oral food supplements especially fortified foods are recommended in these cases to restore the nutritional deficiencies. A vegan diet generally reduces the risk of developing chronic non-communicable degenerative diseases, such as metabolic syndrome (MetS) and, in addition, requires fewer natural resources for food production than an omnivorous diet. The aim of this review is to analyze the possible impact of the vegan diet on MetS onset and its treatment.
Topics: Blood Pressure; Calcium, Dietary; Cardiovascular Diseases; Databases, Factual; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Diet, Vegan; Dietary Supplements; Fatty Acids, Omega-3; Humans; Iron; Italy; Lipid Metabolism; Metabolic Syndrome; Obesity; Vitamin D
PubMed: 33801269
DOI: 10.3390/nu13030817 -
Advances in Nutrition (Bethesda, Md.) Jul 2023Accepting a continued rise in the prevalence of vegan-type diets in the general population is also likely to occur in athletic populations, it is of importance to assess... (Review)
Review
Accepting a continued rise in the prevalence of vegan-type diets in the general population is also likely to occur in athletic populations, it is of importance to assess the potential impact on athletic performance, adaptation, and recovery. Nutritional consideration for the athlete requires optimization of energy, macronutrient, and micronutrient intakes, and potentially the judicious selection of dietary supplements, all specified to meet the individual athlete's training and performance goals. The purpose of this review is to assess whether adopting a vegan diet is likely to impinge on such optimal nutrition and, where so, consider evidence based yet practical and pragmatic nutritional recommendations. Current evidence does not support that a vegan-type diet will enhance performance, adaptation, or recovery in athletes, but equally suggests that an athlete can follow a (more) vegan diet without detriment. A clear caveat, however, is that vegan diets consumed spontaneously may induce suboptimal intakes of key nutrients, most notably quantity and/or quality of dietary protein and specific micronutrients (eg, iron, calcium, vitamin B12, and vitamin D). As such, optimal vegan sports nutrition requires (more) careful consideration, evaluation, and planning. Individual/seasonal goals, training modalities, athlete type, and sensory/cultural/ethical preferences, among other factors, should all be considered when planning and adopting a vegan diet.
Topics: Humans; Diet, Vegan; Vegans; Dietary Supplements; Athletes; Nutritional Status; Diet
PubMed: 37127187
DOI: 10.1016/j.advnut.2023.04.012 -
Nestle Nutrition Institute Workshop... 2020The prevalence of restrictive diets, mainly vegetarian and vegan, is markedly on the increase in Europe and other Western countries. In young children and adolescents,... (Review)
Review
The prevalence of restrictive diets, mainly vegetarian and vegan, is markedly on the increase in Europe and other Western countries. In young children and adolescents, not only weight and height but also neurocognitive and psychomotor development are all strongly influenced by the source, quantity, and quality of their nutrition. In studies done mainly in adult populations, a plant-based diet showed benefits in the reduced risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and some types of cancer. However, there is no clear evidence that a vegan diet started in early childhood confers a lasting health benefit. On the other hand, a vegan diet can be potentially critical for young children with risks of inadequate supply in terms of protein quality and energy as well as long-chain fatty acids, iron, zinc, vitamin D, iodine, calcium, and particularly vitamin B12. Deficiencies in these nutrients can lead to severe and sometimes irreversible developmental disorders. If such a diet is chosen for ethical, ecological, or health reasons, a well-planned, diversified diet with additional supplementation of vitamin B12, vitamin D, iodine, and potentially other micronutrients is crucial to ensure a healthy and nutritious intake during childhood.
Topics: Child; Child Development; Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Child, Preschool; Diet, Vegan; Dietary Proteins; Dietary Supplements; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Male; Maternal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Micronutrients; Nutritional Requirements; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin D
PubMed: 31991425
DOI: 10.1159/000503348 -
Journal of the International Society of... 2017With the growth of social media as a platform to share information, veganism is becoming more visible, and could be becoming more accepted in sports and in the health... (Review)
Review
With the growth of social media as a platform to share information, veganism is becoming more visible, and could be becoming more accepted in sports and in the health and fitness industry. However, to date, there appears to be a lack of literature that discusses how to manage vegan diets for athletic purposes. This article attempted to review literature in order to provide recommendations for how to construct a vegan diet for athletes and exercisers. While little data could be found in the sports nutrition literature specifically, it was revealed elsewhere that veganism creates challenges that need to be accounted for when designing a nutritious diet. This included the sufficiency of energy and protein; the adequacy of vitamin B12, iron, zinc, calcium, iodine and vitamin D; and the lack of the long-chain -3 fatty acids EPA and DHA in most plant-based sources. However, via the strategic management of food and appropriate supplementation, it is the contention of this article that a nutritive vegan diet be designed to achieve the dietary needs of most athletes satisfactorily. Further, it was suggested here that creatine and β-alanine supplementation might be of particular use to vegan athletes, owing to vegetarian diets promoting lower muscle creatine and lower muscle carnosine levels in consumers. Empirical research is needed to examine the effects of vegan diets in athletic populations however, especially if this movement grows in popularity, to ensure that the health and performance of athletic vegans is optimised in accordance with developments in sports nutrition knowledge.
Topics: Athletes; Athletic Performance; Calcium, Dietary; Diet, Vegan; Dietary Fats; Dietary Proteins; Dietary Supplements; Energy Intake; Humans; Micronutrients; Nutrition Assessment; Nutrition Policy; Nutritional Requirements; Sports Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Vegans; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin D
PubMed: 28924423
DOI: 10.1186/s12970-017-0192-9 -
Nutrition Research (New York, N.Y.) Jul 2021Vegan diets have risen in popularity over the past 9 years. However, few studies have examined nutrient status and the effect of a vegan diet on the growth of children.... (Review)
Review
Vegan diets have risen in popularity over the past 9 years. However, few studies have examined nutrient status and the effect of a vegan diet on the growth of children. This study analysed the existing literature on the health impact and growth impact of selected nutrients in vegan children. We assessed the intake of calories and protein, as well as the nutrients iron, calcium, vitamin D, cobalamin and folate. With a small percentage of outliers, vegan children showed normal growth and were less often obese. We found limited evidence that children on a vegan diet can obtain all the examined nutrients. Furthermore, as proper planning and supplementation by caregivers is needed, it is currently unknown how often vegan children follow well-planned diets. Deficiencies in cobalamin, calcium, and vitamin D seem to be the biggest risks associated with a poorly planned vegan diet. For a more definitive assessment, data on the intake and nutrient status of omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, iodine, and selenium in vegan children are needed. Future research should account for demographic shifts in those following a vegan diet, and should discriminate between vegan sub-populations that are open or closed towards scientific approaches, towards health in general, and toward supplementation. Studies should assess the modes and dosages of supplementation and the use of fortified foods or drinks, as well as adherence to the diet itself. Plant ferritin as a source of iron and endogenous cobalamin synthesis warrants further scientific inquiry. In summary, the current literature suggests that a well-planned vegan diet using supplementation is likely to provide the recommended amounts of critical nutrients to provide for normal progression of height and weight in children, and can be beneficial in some aspects. However, data on 5 critical nutrients are still missing, hampering a more definitive conclusion.
Topics: Body Height; Body Weight; Child; Child Health; Child Nutrition Disorders; Child, Preschool; Deficiency Diseases; Diet, Vegan; Dietary Supplements; Fatty Acids, Omega-3; Food, Fortified; Humans; Micronutrients; Nutrients; Nutritional Requirements; Nutritional Status; Vegans
PubMed: 34130207
DOI: 10.1016/j.nutres.2021.04.005 -
Nutrients Nov 2021Plant-based diets, defined here as including both vegan and lacto-ovo-vegetarian diets, are growing in popularity throughout the Western world for various reasons,... (Review)
Review
Plant-based diets, defined here as including both vegan and lacto-ovo-vegetarian diets, are growing in popularity throughout the Western world for various reasons, including concerns for human health and the health of the planet. Plant-based diets are more environmentally sustainable than meat-based diets and have a reduced environmental impact, including producing lower levels of greenhouse gas emissions. Dietary guidelines are normally formulated to enhance the health of society, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and prevent nutritional deficiencies. We reviewed the scientific data on plant-based diets to summarize their preventative and therapeutic role in cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity, and osteoporosis. Consuming plant-based diets is safe and effective for all stages of the life cycle, from pregnancy and lactation, to childhood, to old age. Plant-based diets, which are high in fiber and polyphenolics, are also associated with a diverse gut microbiota, producing metabolites that have anti-inflammatory functions that may help manage disease processes. Concerns about the adequate intake of a number of nutrients, including vitamin B12, calcium, vitamin D, iron, zinc, and omega-3 fats, are discussed. The use of fortified foods and/or supplements as well as appropriate food choices are outlined for each nutrient. Finally, guidelines are suggested for health professionals working with clients consuming plant-based diets.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Child; Chronic Disease; Diet, Vegan; Diet, Vegetarian; Dietetics; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Nutrition Policy; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Pregnancy; Young Adult
PubMed: 34836399
DOI: 10.3390/nu13114144 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Feb 2020The human gut microbiota is considered a well-known complex ecosystem composed of distinct microbial populations, playing a significant role in most aspects of human... (Review)
Review
The human gut microbiota is considered a well-known complex ecosystem composed of distinct microbial populations, playing a significant role in most aspects of human health and wellness. Several factors such as infant transitions, dietary habits, age, consumption of probiotics and prebiotics, use of antibiotics, intestinal comorbidities, and even metabolic diseases may continously alter microbiota diversity and function. The study of vegan diet-microbiota interactions is a rapidly evolving field, since plenty of research has been focused on the potential effects of plant-based dietary patterns on the human gut microbiota. It has been reported that well-planned vegan diets and their associated components affect both the bacterial composition and metabolic pathways of gut microbiota. Certain benefits associated with medical disorders but also limitations (including nutritional deficiencies) have been documented. Although the vegan diet may be inadequate in calorific value, it is rich in dietary fiber, polyphenols, and antioxidant vitamins. The aim of the present study was to provide an update of the existing knowledge on nutritional status of vegan diets and the influence of their food components on the human gut microbiota and health.
Topics: Diet, Vegan; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Gastrointestinal Tract; Humans; Nutritional Status
PubMed: 32098430
DOI: 10.3390/medicina56020088 -
European Heart Journal Sep 2023Plant-based diets have become increasingly popular thanks to their purported health benefits and more recently for their positive environmental impact. Prospective...
Plant-based diets have become increasingly popular thanks to their purported health benefits and more recently for their positive environmental impact. Prospective studies suggest that consuming vegetarian diets is associated with a reduced risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes, hypertension, dementia, and cancer. Data from randomized clinical trials have confirmed a protective effect of vegetarian diets for the prevention of diabetes and reductions in weight, blood pressure, glycosylated haemoglobin and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, but to date, no data are available for cardiovascular event rates and cognitive impairment, and there are very limited data for cancer. Moreover, not all plant-based foods are equally healthy. Unhealthy vegetarian diets poor in specific nutrients (vitamin B12, iron, zinc, and calcium) and/or rich in highly processed and refined foods increase morbidity and mortality. Further mechanistic studies are desirable to understand whether the advantages of healthy, minimally processed vegetarian diets represent an all-or-nothing phenomenon and whether consuming primarily plant-based diets containing small quantities of animal products (e.g. pesco-vegetarian or Mediterranean diets) has beneficial, detrimental, or neutral effects on cardiometabolic health outcomes. Further, mechanistic studies are warranted to enhance our understanding about healthy plant-based food patterns and the biological mechanisms linking dietary factors, CVD, and other metabolic diseases.
Topics: Humans; Cardiovascular Diseases; Diabetes Mellitus; Diet, Vegan; Diet, Vegetarian; Neoplasms; Prospective Studies; Vegetarians
PubMed: 37450568
DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehad436