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European Journal of Nutrition Apr 2023Vitamin B is an essential nutrient that is not made by plants; consequently, unfortified plant-based foods are not a reliable supply. Recent estimates suggest high rates...
Vitamin B is an essential nutrient that is not made by plants; consequently, unfortified plant-based foods are not a reliable supply. Recent estimates suggest high rates of vitamin B deficiency among the vegetarian and vegan populations, particularly in pregnant women or women of child-bearing age who, for ethical and health reasons, are shifting towards higher consumption of plant-based foods in ever-increasing numbers. Vitamin B plays crucial metabolic roles across the life-course and in particular during pregnancy and in early development (first 1000 days of life). Evidence now implicates vitamin B deficiency with increased risk to a range of neuro, vascular, immune, and inflammatory disorders. However, the current UK recommended nutrient intake for vitamin B does not adequately consider the vitamin B deficit for those choosing a plant-based diet, including vegetarianism and in particular veganism, representing a hidden hunger. We provide a cautionary note on the importance of preventing vitamin B deficits for those individuals choosing a plant-based diet and the health professionals advising them.
Topics: Humans; Female; Pregnancy; Vitamin B 12; Diet; Diet, Vegetarian; Diet, Vegan; Vitamins
PubMed: 36469110
DOI: 10.1007/s00394-022-03025-4 -
Nutrition Reviews Mar 2021Vegetarian and vegan diets are increasing in popularity. Although they provide beneficial health effects, they may also lead to nutritional deficiencies. Cognitive... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
CONTEXT
Vegetarian and vegan diets are increasing in popularity. Although they provide beneficial health effects, they may also lead to nutritional deficiencies. Cognitive impairment and mental health disorders have a high economic burden.
OBJECTIVE
A meta-analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between vegan or vegetarian diets and cognitive and mental health.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Proquest databases were examined from inception to July 2018.
STUDY SELECTION
Original observational or interventional human studies of vegan/vegetarian diets were selected independently by 2 authors.
DATA EXTRACTION
Raw means and standard deviations were used as continuous outcomes, while numbers of events were used as categorical outcomes.
RESULTS
Of 1249 publications identified, 13 were included, with 17 809 individuals in total. No significant association was found between diet and the continuous depression score, stress, well-being, or cognitive impairment. Vegans/vegetarians were at increased risk for depression (odds ratio = 2.142; 95%CI, 1.105-4.148) and had lower anxiety scores (mean difference = -0.847; 95%CI, -1.677 to -0.018). Heterogeneity was large, and thus subgroup analyses showed numerous differences.
CONCLUSIONS
Vegan or vegetarian diets were related to a higher risk of depression and lower anxiety scores, but no differences for other outcomes were found. Subgroup analyses of anxiety showed a higher risk of anxiety, mainly in participants under 26 years of age and in studies with a higher quality. More studies with better overall quality are needed to make clear positive or negative associations.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
PROSPERO registration no. CRD42018097204.
Topics: Anxiety; Cognition; Depression; Diet, Vegan; Diet, Vegetarian; Humans; Mental Health; Vegans; Vegetarians
PubMed: 32483598
DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuaa030 -
Vegan diet in young children remodels metabolism and challenges the statuses of essential nutrients.EMBO Molecular Medicine Feb 2021Vegan diets are gaining popularity, also in families with young children. However, the effects of strict plant-based diets on metabolism and micronutrient status of...
Vegan diets are gaining popularity, also in families with young children. However, the effects of strict plant-based diets on metabolism and micronutrient status of children are unknown. We recruited 40 Finnish children with a median age 3.5 years-vegans, vegetarians, or omnivores from same daycare centers-for a cross-sectional study. They enjoyed nutritionist-planned vegan or omnivore meals in daycare, and the full diets were analyzed with questionnaires and food records. Detailed analysis of serum metabolomics and biomarkers indicated vitamin A insufficiency and border-line sufficient vitamin D in all vegan participants. Their serum total, HDL and LDL cholesterol, essential amino acid, and docosahexaenoic n-3 fatty acid (DHA) levels were markedly low and primary bile acid biosynthesis, and phospholipid balance was distinct from omnivores. Possible combination of low vitamin A and DHA status raise concern for their visual health. Our evidence indicates that (i) vitamin A and D status of vegan children requires special attention; (ii) dietary recommendations for children cannot be extrapolated from adult vegan studies; and (iii) longitudinal studies on infant-onset vegan diets are warranted.
Topics: Adult; Child; Child, Preschool; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diet; Diet, Vegan; Diet, Vegetarian; Humans; Nutrients; Vegetarians
PubMed: 33471422
DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202013492 -
Nutrients Apr 2019Due to the lack of current, large-scale studies examining their dietary intake and health, there are concerns about vegetarian (VG) and vegan (VN) diets in childhood....
Due to the lack of current, large-scale studies examining their dietary intake and health, there are concerns about vegetarian (VG) and vegan (VN) diets in childhood. Therefore, the Vegetarian and Vegan Children Study (VeChi Diet Study) examined the energy and macronutrient intake as well as the anthropometrics of 430 VG, VN, and omnivorous (OM) children (1⁻3 years) in Germany. A 3-day weighed dietary record assessed dietary intake, and an online questionnaire assessed lifestyle, body weight (BW), and height. Average dietary intakes and anthropometrics were compared between groups using ANCOVA. There were no significant differences in energy intake or density and anthropometrics between the study groups. OM children had the highest adjusted median intakes of protein (OM: 2.7, VG: 2.3, VN: 2.4 g/kg BW, < 0.0001), fat (OM: 36.0, VG: 33.5, VN: 31.2%E, < 0.0001), and added sugars (OM: 5.3, VG: 4.5, VN: 3.8%E, = 0.002), whereas VN children had the highest adjusted intakes of carbohydrates (OM: 50.1, VG: 54.1, VN: 56.2%E, < 0.0001) and fiber (OM: 12.2, VG: 16.5, VN: 21.8 g/1,000 kcal, < 0.0001). Therefore, a VG and VN diet in early childhood can provide the same amount of energy and macronutrients, leading to a normal growth in comparison to OM children.
Topics: Analysis of Variance; Anthropometry; Body Height; Body Weight; Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Child, Preschool; Cohort Studies; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diet Records; Diet, Vegan; Diet, Vegetarian; Energy Intake; Feeding Behavior; Female; Germany; Humans; Infant; Life Style; Male; Nutrients; Nutritional Status; Surveys and Questionnaires; Vegans; Vegetarians
PubMed: 31013738
DOI: 10.3390/nu11040832 -
Nutrients Feb 2022This interventional study examined the effect of a four-week vegan diet (Veg) during a four-week high-intensity functional training (HIFT) on performance, training... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
This interventional study examined the effect of a four-week vegan diet (Veg) during a four-week high-intensity functional training (HIFT) on performance, training results and blood biochemical indices in female ( = 12) and male ( = 8) moderate-trained CrossFit participants. The whole study group performed the maximum number of repetitions with a load of 70% one repetition-maximum (1RM) and a modified Fight Gone Bad (FGB) test before and after a dietary intervention (the group was divided to follow a Veg or a traditional mixed diet (Mix)) in a randomised and parallel design. Pre-exercise resting blood samples were also analysed. There was a significant improvement in the number of repetitions performed at a load corresponding to 70% of 1RM in the classic squat in the Mix group ( < 0.001), and in the classic deadlift in the Veg group ( = 0.014). Furthermore, there was a significant improvement in the results of the FGB performance test after a Mix. Moreover, an improvement in some exercises in the modified FGB test (Wall Ball after the Veg and the Mix, and rowing after the Mix) was also observed. However, differences between the Mix and the Veg groups were not clinically relevant. In conclusion, the short-term study conducted here indicated that a Veg in HIFT training positively affects strength endurance in the classic deadlift but is unlikely to be more beneficial in improving performance than a Mix.
Topics: Diet, Vegan; Exercise; Female; Humans; Male; Muscle Strength; Muscle, Skeletal; Resistance Training
PubMed: 35215544
DOI: 10.3390/nu14040894 -
European Journal of Nutrition Feb 2017Vegetarian and vegan diets have gained popularity in Switzerland. The nutritional status of individuals who have adopted such diets, however, has not been investigated....
PURPOSE
Vegetarian and vegan diets have gained popularity in Switzerland. The nutritional status of individuals who have adopted such diets, however, has not been investigated. The aim of this study was to assess the intake and status of selected vitamins and minerals among vegetarian and vegan adults living in Switzerland.
METHODS
Healthy adults [omnivores (OVs), n = 100; vegetarians (VGs), n = 53; vegans (VNs), n = 53] aged 18-50 years were recruited, and their weight and height were measured. Plasma concentrations of the vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, B6, B12, folic acid, pantothenic acid, niacin, biotin and β-carotene and of the minerals Fe, Mg and Zn and urinary iodine concentration were determined. Dietary intake was assessed using a three-day weighed food record, and questionnaires were issued in order to assess the physical activity and lifestyle of the subjects.
RESULTS
Omnivores had the lowest intake of Mg, vitamin C, vitamin E, niacin and folic acid. Vegans reported low intakes of Ca and a marginal consumption of the vitamins D and B12. The highest prevalence for vitamin and mineral deficiencies in each group was as follows: in the omnivorous group, for folic acid (58 %); in the vegetarian group, for vitamin B6 and niacin (58 and 34 %, respectively); and in the vegan group, for Zn (47 %). Despite negligible dietary vitamin B12 intake in the vegan group, deficiency of this particular vitamin was low in all groups thanks to widespread use of supplements. Prevalence of Fe deficiency was comparable across all diet groups.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite substantial differences in intake and deficiency between groups, our results indicate that by consuming a well-balanced diet including supplements or fortified products, all three types of diet can potentially fulfill requirements for vitamin and mineral consumption.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diet, Vegan; Diet, Vegetarian; Dietary Supplements; Exercise; Female; Humans; Male; Micronutrients; Middle Aged; Nutrition Assessment; Nutritional Requirements; Nutritional Status; Surveys and Questionnaires; Switzerland; Vegans; Vegetarians; Vitamins; Young Adult
PubMed: 26502280
DOI: 10.1007/s00394-015-1079-7 -
Nutrients May 2021There is a lack of data on associations between modern vegetarian and vegan diets and health among children and adolescents. The aim of the Vechi Youth Study was to...
There is a lack of data on associations between modern vegetarian and vegan diets and health among children and adolescents. The aim of the Vechi Youth Study was to cross-sectionally examine anthropometry, dietary intakes and nutritional status in a sample of 149 vegetarian, 115 vegan and 137 omnivore children and adolescents (6-18 years old, mean age: 12.7 ± 3.9 years). Group differences of dietary intake (calculated from three-day dietary records), nutrient biomarker and blood lipid concentrations were assessed using an analysis of covariance, adjusted for sex, age and other covariates. The total energy intake did not differ significantly between groups, but intake of carbohydrates was higher among vegetarians and vegans than among omnivores ( = 0.0002, respectively). The median protein intake exceeded 0.9 g/kg body weight/day in all diet groups and was lowest among vegetarians ( < 0.02). There was no significant difference of haemoglobin, vitamin B2, 25-OH vitamin D3, HDL-C and triglycerides blood concentrations between diet groups. Vegan participants had higher folate concentrations than vegetarian participants ( = 0.0053). Ferritin concentration was significantly higher in omnivores than in vegetarians ( = 0.0134) and vegans ( = 0.0404). Vegetarians had lower concentrations of holotranscobalamin ( = 0.0042) and higher concentrations of methylmalonic acid ( = 0.0253) than omnivores. Vegans had the lowest non-HDL-C and LDL-C concentrations in comparison to vegetarians ( = 0.0053 and = 0.0041) and omnivores ( = 0.0010 and = 0.0010). A high prevalence (>30%) of 25-OH vitamin D3 and vitamin B2 concentrations below reference values were found irrespective of the diet group. In conclusion, the Vechi Youth Study did not indicate specific nutritional risks among vegetarian and vegan children and adolescents compared to omnivores.
Topics: Adolescent; Biomarkers; Child; Diet; Diet Records; Diet, Vegan; Diet, Vegetarian; Eating; Feeding Behavior; Female; Germany; Humans; Lipids; Male; Nutrients; Nutritional Requirements; Nutritional Status
PubMed: 34069944
DOI: 10.3390/nu13051707 -
Journal of the American Heart... Dec 2018Background Dietary interventions may play a role in secondary cardiovascular prevention. hsCRP (High-sensitivity C-reactive protein) is a marker of risk for major... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Randomized Controlled Trial
Background Dietary interventions may play a role in secondary cardiovascular prevention. hsCRP (High-sensitivity C-reactive protein) is a marker of risk for major adverse cardiovascular outcomes in coronary artery disease. Methods and Results The open-label, blinded end-point, EVADE CAD (Effects of a Vegan Versus the American Heart Association-Recommended Diet in Coronary Artery Disease) trial randomized participants (n=100) with coronary artery disease to 8 weeks of a vegan or American Heart Association-recommended diet with provision of groceries, tools to measure dietary intake, and dietary counseling. The primary end point was high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. A linear regression model compared end points after 8 weeks of a vegan versus American Heart Association diet and adjusted for baseline concentration of the end point. Significance levels for the primary and secondary end points were set at 0.05 and 0.0015, respectively. A vegan diet resulted in a significant 32% lower high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (β, 0.68, 95% confidence interval [0.49-0.94]; P=0.02) when compared with the American Heart Association diet. Results were consistent after adjustment for age, race, baseline waist circumference, diabetes mellitus, and prior myocardial infarction (adjusted β, 0.67 [0.47-0.94], P=0.02). The degree of reduction in body mass index and waist circumference did not significantly differ between the 2 diet groups (adjusted β, 0.99 [0.97-1.00], P=0.10; and adjusted β, 1.00 [0.98-1.01], P=0.66, respectively). There were also no significant differences in markers of glycemic control between the 2 diet groups. There was a nonsignificant 13% reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol with the vegan diet when compared with the American Heart Association diet (adjusted β, 0.87 [0.78-0.97], P=0.01). There were no significant differences in other lipid parameters. Conclusions In patients with coronary artery disease on guideline-directed medical therapy, a vegan diet may be considered to lower high-sensitivity C-reactive protein as a risk marker of adverse outcomes. Clinical Trial Registration URL : http://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT 02135939.
Topics: Aged; American Heart Association; Coronary Artery Disease; Diet, Healthy; Diet, Vegan; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; United States
PubMed: 30571591
DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.118.011367 -
Nutrients Jul 2021The human gut microbiota are the microorganisms (generally bacteria and archaea) that live in the digestive tracts of humans. Due to their numerous functions, the gut...
The human gut microbiota are the microorganisms (generally bacteria and archaea) that live in the digestive tracts of humans. Due to their numerous functions, the gut microbiota can be considered a virtual organ of the body, playing a pivotal role in health maintenance. Dietary habits contribute to gut microbiota composition, and evidence from observational and intervention studies suggest that vegan diets may promote health, potentially through affecting the diverse ecosystem of beneficial bacteria in the gut. A systematic literature search was conducted on PubMed and Scopus to identify studies investigating the microbiota composition in vegans. Vegans are defined as people excluding food products that are derived from animals from their diet. Nine observational studies were identified. The main outcome of the systematic review was an increase in Bacteroidetes on the phylum level and a higher abundance of on the genus level. In conclusion, the present systematic literature review highlighted some benefits of a vegan diet but also demonstrated the complexity of evaluating results from gut microbiota research. The available evidence only consisted of cross-sectional studies, therefore suggesting the need for well-designed randomised controlled trials. Furthermore, the quality assessment of the studies included in the review suggested a lack of standardised and validated methods for participant selection as well as for faecal sampling and faecal analysis.
Topics: Adult; Bacteria; Diet, Healthy; Diet, Vegan; Dysbiosis; Feces; Female; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Humans; Intestines; Male; Middle Aged; Nutritive Value
PubMed: 34371912
DOI: 10.3390/nu13072402 -
European Journal of Nutrition Apr 2022There is an ongoing debate whether vegetarian (VG) and especially vegan (VN) diets are nutritionally adequate in early childhood. Hence, the Vegetarian and Vegan...
PURPOSE
There is an ongoing debate whether vegetarian (VG) and especially vegan (VN) diets are nutritionally adequate in early childhood. Hence, the Vegetarian and Vegan Children Study (VeChi Diet Study) aimed to assess the food and nutrient intake of VG and VN infants.
METHODS
The study examined the diets of 1-3-year-old VG, VN, and omnivorous (OM) children (n = 430). Dietary intake was assessed via a 3-day weighed dietary record and compared between groups using ANCOVA. Lifestyle data were collected using a questionnaire. Here, the results of micronutrient and fatty acid intakes are presented.
RESULTS
Most nutrient intakes (with and without supplements) differed significantly between VN children and the two other groups, with a more favourable overall micronutrient intake in VN, followed by VG children, [e.g., the highest intake of vitamin E (8.3 mg/d vs. VG 7.4 mg/d and OM 5.1 mg/d), vitamin B (569 µg/d vs. VG 513 µg/d and OM 481 µg/d), folate (143 µg/d vs. VG 116 µg/d and OM 108 µg/d), magnesium (241 mg/d vs. VG 188 mg/d and OM 164 mg/d), and iron (8.9 mg/d vs. VG 7.3 mg/d and OM 6.0 mg/d)] as well as fat quality [highest intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (8.7 E% vs. VG 6.9 E% and OM 4.5 E%) and lowest intake of saturated fatty acids (9.1 E% vs. VG 11.9 E% and OM 14.0 E%)]. In contrast, OM children had the highest intake of vitamin B (639 µg/d vs. VG 461 µg/d and VN 429 µg/d), calcium (445 mg/d vs. VG 399 mg/d and VN 320 mg/d), iodine (47 µg/d vs. VG 33 µg/d and VN 31 µg/d), and DHA (35.4 mg/d vs. VG 16.6 mg/d and VN 18.4 mg/d). Without supplementation, OM children had the highest average vitamin B intake (1.5 µg/d vs. VG 0.6 µg/d and VN 0.2 µg/d), whereas VN children had the highest average vitamin B intake with supplementation (73.8 µg/d vs. VG 1.3 µg/d and OM 1.7 µg/d). Without supplementation, none of the groups' median intakes met the harmonised Average Requirement (h-AR) for vitamin D and iodine. Moreover, VG and VN children did not achieve h-ARs for vitamin B, vitamin B, and iron-if a low absorption of iron is anticipated; VN children also did not do so for calcium.
CONCLUSION
In early childhood, VN and VG diets can provide most micronutrients in desirable amounts and a preferable fat quality compared to an OM diet. Special focus should be paid to (potentially) critical nutrients, particularly vitamin D, iodine, and DHA for all children regardless of diet, as well as vitamin B, vitamin B, calcium, and iron for VG and VN children.
TRAIL REGISTRATION
This study was registered with the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00010982) on (September 2, 2016).
Topics: Child; Child, Preschool; Diet; Diet, Vegan; Diet, Vegetarian; Fatty Acids; Germany; Humans; Infant; Micronutrients; Vegans; Vegetarians
PubMed: 34855006
DOI: 10.1007/s00394-021-02753-3