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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 -
Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition... Mar 2020Plant-based diets are associated with better health and longevity. Veganism is a strict form of vegetarianism, which has gained increasing attention in recent years.... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Plant-based diets are associated with better health and longevity. Veganism is a strict form of vegetarianism, which has gained increasing attention in recent years. This review will focus on studies addressing mortality and health-span in vegans and vegetarians and discuss possible longevity-enhancing mechanisms.
RECENT FINDINGS
Studies in vegans are still limited. Epidemiologic studies consistently show lower disease rates, such as lower incidence of cancer and cardiovascular disease, but mortality rates are comparable with rates in vegetarians and occasional meat eaters. Reasons for following strict vegan diets differ, which may affect diet quality, and thus health and life-span. New insights into some characteristics of veganism, such as protein restriction or restriction in certain amino acids (leucine or methionine) show potentially life-span-enhancing potential. Veganism improves insulin resistance and dyslipidemia and associated abnormalities. Gut microbiota as mediator of dietary impact on host metabolism is more diverse in vegans and has been suggested to be a health-promoting factor. Vegan diets do not fulfill the requirements of children, pregnant women or old individuals who should receive adequate supplements.
SUMMARY
There is substantial evidence that plant-based diets are associated with better health but not necessarily lower mortality rates. The exact mechanisms of health promotion by vegan diets are still not entirely clear but most likely multifactorial. Reasons for and quality of the vegan diet should be assessed in longevity studies.
Topics: Aging; Diet, Protein-Restricted; Diet, Vegan; Diet, Vegetarian; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Humans; Longevity; Nutritional Requirements
PubMed: 31895244
DOI: 10.1097/MCO.0000000000000625 -
Nutrients Dec 2018As the number of subjects choosing vegan diets increases, healthcare providers must be prepared to give the best advice to vegan patients during all stages of life. A...
As the number of subjects choosing vegan diets increases, healthcare providers must be prepared to give the best advice to vegan patients during all stages of life. A completely plant-based diet is suitable during pregnancy, lactation, infancy, and childhood, provided that it is well-planned. Balanced vegan diets meet energy requirements on a wide variety of plant foods and pay attention to some nutrients that may be critical, such as protein, fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, zinc, iodine, calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12. This paper contains recommendations made by a panel of experts from the Scientific Society for Vegetarian Nutrition (SSNV) after examining the available literature concerning vegan diets during pregnancy, breastfeeding, infancy, and childhood. All healthcare professionals should follow an approach based on the available evidence in regard to the issue of vegan diets, as failing to do so may compromise the nutritional status of vegan patients in these delicate periods of life.
Topics: Adult; Breast Feeding; Child; Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Child, Preschool; Diet, Vegan; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Male; Maternal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Mothers; Nutritional Requirements; Nutritional Status; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Pregnancy
PubMed: 30577451
DOI: 10.3390/nu11010005 -
Nutrients Sep 2020Diet modulates gut microbiota and plays an important role in human health. The aim of this study was to test the effect of a low-fat vegan diet on gut microbiota and its... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Effects of a Low-Fat Vegan Diet on Gut Microbiota in Overweight Individuals and Relationships with Body Weight, Body Composition, and Insulin Sensitivity. A Randomized Clinical Trial.
Diet modulates gut microbiota and plays an important role in human health. The aim of this study was to test the effect of a low-fat vegan diet on gut microbiota and its association with weight, body composition, and insulin resistance in overweight men and women. We enrolled 168 participants and randomly assigned them to a vegan ( = 84) or a control group ( = 84) for 16 weeks. Of these, 115 returned all gut microbiome samples. Gut microbiota composition was assessed using uBiome Explorer™ kits. Body composition was measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Insulin sensitivity was quantified with the predicted clamp-derived insulin sensitivity index from a standard meal test. Repeated measure ANOVA was used for statistical analysis. Body weight decreased in the vegan group (treatment effect -5.9 kg [95% CI, -7.0 to -4.9 kg]; < 0.001), mainly due to a reduction in fat mass (-3.9 kg [95% CI, -4.6 to -3.1 kg]; < 0.001) and in visceral fat (-240 cm [95% CI, -345 to -135 kg]; < 0.001). PREDIcted M, insulin sensitivity index (PREDIM) increased in the vegan group (treatment effect +0.83 [95% CI, +0.48 to +1.2]; < 0.001). The relative abundance of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii increased in the vegan group (+5.1% [95% CI, +2.4 to +7.9%]; < 0.001) and correlated negatively with changes in weight (r = -0.24; = 0.01), fat mass (r = -0.22; = 0.02), and visceral fat (r = -0.20; = 0.03). The relative abundance of Bacteroides fragilis decreased in both groups, but less in the vegan group, making the treatment effect positive (+18.9% [95% CI, +14.2 to +23.7%]; < 0.001), which correlated negatively with changes in weight (r = -0.44; < 0.001), fat mass (r = -0.43; < 0.001), and visceral fat (r = -0.28; = 0.003) and positively with PREDIM (r = 0.36; < 0.001), so a smaller reduction in Bacteroides fragilis was associated with a greater loss of body weight, fat mass, visceral fat, and a greater increase in insulin sensitivity. A low-fat vegan diet induced significant changes in gut microbiota, which were related to changes in weight, body composition, and insulin sensitivity in overweight adults, suggesting a potential use in clinical practice.
Topics: Absorptiometry, Photon; Adult; Aged; Bacteroidetes; Body Composition; Body Mass Index; Body Weight; Diet; Diet, Fat-Restricted; Diet, Vegan; Exercise; Female; Firmicutes; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Humans; Insulin Resistance; Intra-Abdominal Fat; Male; Middle Aged; Overweight
PubMed: 32987642
DOI: 10.3390/nu12102917 -
The American Journal of Clinical... Jun 2021Plant-based diets (PBDs) are increasingly recommended for human and planetary health. However, comprehensive evidence on the health effects of PBDs in children remains...
BACKGROUND
Plant-based diets (PBDs) are increasingly recommended for human and planetary health. However, comprehensive evidence on the health effects of PBDs in children remains incomplete, particularly in vegans.
OBJECTIVES
To quantify differences in body composition, cardiovascular risk, and micronutrient status of vegetarian and vegan children relative to omnivores and to estimate prevalence of abnormal micronutrient and cholesterol status in each group.
METHODS
In a cross-sectional study, Polish children aged 5-10 y (63 vegetarian, 52 vegan, 72 matched omnivores) were assessed using anthropometry, deuterium dilution, DXA, and carotid ultrasound. Fasting blood samples, dietary intake, and accelerometry data were collected.
RESULTS
All results are reported relative to omnivores. Vegetarians had lower gluteofemoral adiposity but similar total fat and lean mass. Vegans had lower fat indices in all regions but similar lean mass. Both groups had lower bone mineral content (BMC). The difference for vegetarians attenuated after accounting for body size but remained in vegans (total body minus the head: -3.7%; 95% CI: -7.0, -0.4; lumbar spine: -5.6%; 95% CI: -10.6, -0.5). Vegetarians had lower total cholesterol, HDL, and serum B-12 and 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] without supplementation but higher glucose, VLDL, and triglycerides. Vegans were shorter and had lower total LDL (-24 mg/dL; 95% CI: -35.2, -12.9) and HDL (-12.2 mg/dL; 95% CI: -17.3, -7.1), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, iron status, and serum B-12 (-217.6 pmol/L; 95% CI: -305.7, -129.5) and 25(OH)D without supplementation but higher homocysteine and mean corpuscular volume. Vitamin B-12 deficiency, iron-deficiency anemia, low ferritin, and low HDL were more prevalent in vegans, who also had the lowest prevalence of high LDL. Supplementation resolved low B-12 and 25(OH)D concentrations.
CONCLUSIONS
Vegan diets were associated with a healthier cardiovascular risk profile but also with increased risk of nutritional deficiencies and lower BMC and height. Vegetarians showed less pronounced nutritional deficiencies but, unexpectedly, a less favorable cardiometabolic risk profile. Further research may help maximize the benefits of PBDs in children.
Topics: Animals; Body Composition; Cardiovascular Diseases; Child; Child, Preschool; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diet, Vegan; Diet, Vegetarian; Female; Humans; Male; Meat; Nutritional Status; Poland
PubMed: 33740036
DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/nqaa445 -
Position paper on vegetarian diets from the working group of the Italian Society of Human Nutrition.Nutrition, Metabolism, and... Dec 2017Interest in vegetarian diets is growing in Italy and elsewhere, as government agencies and health/nutrition organizations are emphasizing that regular consumption of... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Interest in vegetarian diets is growing in Italy and elsewhere, as government agencies and health/nutrition organizations are emphasizing that regular consumption of plant foods may provide health benefits and help prevent certain diseases.
METHODS AND RESULTS
We conducted a Pubmed search, up to September, 2015, for studies on key nutrients (proteins, vitamin B12, iron, zinc, calcium, vitamin D, and n-3 fatty acids) in vegetarian diets. From 295 eligible publications the following emerged: Vegetarians should be encouraged to supplement their diets with a reliable source of vitamin B12 (vitamin-fortified foods or supplements). Since the plant protein digestibility is lower than that of animal proteins it may be appropriate for vegetarians to consume more proteins than recommended for the general population. Vegetarians should also be encouraged to habitually consume good sources of calcium, iron and zinc - particularly vegetables that are low in oxalate and phytate (e.g. Brassicaceae), nuts and seeds, and calcium-rich mineral water. Calcium, iron, and zinc bioavailability can be improved by soaking, germination, and sour-dough leavening that lower the phytate content of pulses and cereals. Vegetarians can ensure good n-3 fatty acid status by habitually consuming good sources of a-linolenic acid (walnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and their oils) and limiting linoleic acid intake (corn and sunflower oils).
CONCLUSIONS
Well-planned vegetarian diets that include a wide variety of plant foods, and a reliable source of vitamin B12, provide adequate nutrient intake. Government agencies and health/nutrition organizations should provide more educational resources to help Italians consume nutritionally adequate vegetarian diets.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Child; Child, Preschool; Diet, Healthy; Diet, Vegan; Diet, Vegetarian; Dietary Supplements; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Italy; Male; Middle Aged; Nutrition Assessment; Nutritional Sciences; Nutritional Status; Nutritive Value; Pregnancy; Recommended Dietary Allowances; Societies, Medical; Young Adult
PubMed: 29174030
DOI: 10.1016/j.numecd.2017.10.020 -
Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases 2022Vegan diets are widely promoted as protective against cardiovascular disease (CVD); however, removing all animal foods from a human's diet usually causes unfavorable... (Review)
Review
Vegan diets are widely promoted as protective against cardiovascular disease (CVD); however, removing all animal foods from a human's diet usually causes unfavorable health consequences. Our hominin ancestors began consuming meat, fish, seafood, and eggs >2 million years ago. Consequently, humans are genetically adapted to procure nutrients from both plant and animal sources. In contrast, veganism is without evolutionary precedent in Homo sapiens species. Strict adherence to a vegan diet causes predictable deficiencies in nutrients including vitamins B, B D, niacin, iron, iodine, zinc, high-quality proteins, omega-3, and calcium. Prolonged strict veganism increases risk for bone fractures, sarcopenia, anemia, and depression. A more logical diet is a plant-forward omnivorous eating pattern that emphasizes generous consumption of natural, unprocessed foods predominantly from plants. To balance this diet, modest amounts of wholesome animal foods, such wild-caught fish/seafood, pasture-raised meat and eggs, and fermented unsweetened dairy should be consumed regularly.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Diet, Vegan; Vegans; Diet; Meat; Cardiovascular Diseases
PubMed: 35944662
DOI: 10.1016/j.pcad.2022.08.001 -
European Heart Journal Jul 2023Due to growing environmental focus, plant-based diets are increasing steadily in popularity. Uncovering the effect on well-established risk factors for cardiovascular... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
AIMS
Due to growing environmental focus, plant-based diets are increasing steadily in popularity. Uncovering the effect on well-established risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, the leading cause of death worldwide, is thus highly relevant. Therefore, a systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to estimate the effect of vegetarian and vegan diets on blood levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and apolipoprotein B.
METHODS AND RESULTS
Studies published between 1980 and October 2022 were searched for using PubMed, Embase, and references of previous reviews. Included studies were randomized controlled trials that quantified the effect of vegetarian or vegan diets vs. an omnivorous diet on blood lipids and lipoprotein levels in adults over 18 years. Estimates were calculated using a random-effects model. Thirty trials were included in the study. Compared with the omnivorous group, the plant-based diets reduced total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B levels with mean differences of -0.34 mmol/L (95% confidence interval, -0.44, -0.23; P = 1 × 10-9), -0.30 mmol/L (-0.40, -0.19; P = 4 × 10-8), and -12.92 mg/dL (-22.63, -3.20; P = 0.01), respectively. The effect sizes were similar across age, continent, duration of study, health status, intervention diet, intervention program, and study design. No significant difference was observed for triglyceride levels.
CONCLUSION
Vegetarian and vegan diets were associated with reduced concentrations of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B-effects that were consistent across various study and participant characteristics. Plant-based diets have the potential to lessen the atherosclerotic burden from atherogenic lipoproteins and thereby reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Diet, Vegan; Diet, Vegetarian; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Lipids; Vegetarians; Cholesterol, LDL; Lipoproteins; Cardiovascular Diseases; Atherosclerosis; Apolipoproteins
PubMed: 37226630
DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehad211 -
Journal of Perinatology : Official... May 2021To determine the effect of a maternal vegan diet on pregnancy outcome. (Observational Study)
Observational Study
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effect of a maternal vegan diet on pregnancy outcome.
STUDY DESIGN
This is a prospective observational study. Women with a singleton pregnancy who maintained the same diet prior to, and throughout current pregnancy were enrolled. Stratification was performed according to diet type: vegans, lacto-ovo-vegetarians, fish-eaters, and omnivores.
RESULTS
Overall, 273 women were enrolled, of them, 112 omnivores, 37 fish-eaters, 64 lacto-ovo-vegetarians, and 60 vegans. The vegan diet was significantly associated with an increased risk of small-for-gestational-age newborns compared only to an omnivore diet (RR = 5.9, 95% CI, 1.2-21.8). The incidence of preterm birth was similar in all groups. Vegans had lower birthweight compared to lacto-ovo-vegetarians (3015 ± 420 g vs. 3285 ± 482 g, P = 0.004), and to omnivores (3328 ± 495 g, P < 0.001), but not to fish-eaters. Vegans also had a lower mean gestational weight gain compared only to omnivores (11.6 ± 4.2 kg vs. 14.3 ± 4.6 kg, P = 0.001).
CONCLUSION
The vegan diet is associated with an increased risk for small-for-gestational-age newborns and lower birthweight.
Topics: Animals; Diet; Diet, Vegan; Diet, Vegetarian; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome; Premature Birth; Vegetarians
PubMed: 32873905
DOI: 10.1038/s41372-020-00804-x -
Nutrients Apr 2023Nutrition strategies improve physiological and biochemical adaptation to training, facilitate more intense workouts, promote faster recoveries after a workout in...
BACKGROUND
Nutrition strategies improve physiological and biochemical adaptation to training, facilitate more intense workouts, promote faster recoveries after a workout in anticipation of the next, and help to prepare for a race and maintain the body's hydration status. Although vegetarianism (i.e., lacto-ovo and veganism) has become increasingly popular in recent years, the number of vegetarian athletes is not known, and no specific recommendations have been made for vegetarian dietary planning in sports. Well-planned diets are mandatory to obtain the best performance, and the available literature reports that those excluding all types of flesh foods (meat, poultry, game, and seafood) neither find advantages nor suffer from disadvantages, compared to omnivorous diets, for strength, anaerobic, or aerobic exercise performance; additionally, some benefits can be derived for general health.
METHODS
We conceived the VegPlate for Sports, a vegetarian food guide (VFG) based on the already-validated VegPlate facilitating method, designed according to the Italian dietary reference intakes (DRIs).
RESULTS
The VegPlate for Sports is suitable for men and women who are active in sports and adhere to a vegetarian (i.e., lacto-ovo and vegan) diet, and provides weight-based, adequate dietary planning.
CONCLUSIONS
The VegPlate for Sports represents a practical tool for nutrition professionals and gives the possibility to plan diets based on energy, carbohydrate (CHO), and protein (PRO) necessities, from 50 to 90 Kg body weight (BW).
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Diet; Diet, Vegetarian; Sports; Diet, Vegan; Athletes
PubMed: 37049586
DOI: 10.3390/nu15071746