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Journal of Nutrition Education and... Sep 2023Our study aimed to explore vegan mothers' experiences and decision-making processes when feeding their children (up to 3 years old).
OBJECTIVE
Our study aimed to explore vegan mothers' experiences and decision-making processes when feeding their children (up to 3 years old).
METHODS
We conducted a qualitative photo-elicitation interview study in the United Kingdom. Eight vegan mothers provided 5 photographs of food choices they had made for their children and completed online photo-elicitation interviews to discuss these images. Data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.
RESULTS
Five themes were developed: role modeling eating behavior, shared decision-making, nutritional guidance for vegan parents, fear of judgment for being vegan, and desire for convenience.
CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS
Findings illustrate the complexity of the decision-making process and highlight the need for targeted resources for vegan parents. There is a need for awareness raising and training for health care professionals and the development of vegan-specific child-feeding resources to facilitate the provision of evidence-based nutritional guidance for vegan parents.
Topics: Female; Humans; Infant; Child, Preschool; Mothers; Vegans; Food Preferences; Parents; Feeding Behavior; Qualitative Research
PubMed: 37542483
DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2023.06.003 -
Journal of Health, Population, and... Nov 2023The popularity of vegetarian diets has increased the need for studies on long-term health outcomes. A limited number of studies, including only one study from a...
The popularity of vegetarian diets has increased the need for studies on long-term health outcomes. A limited number of studies, including only one study from a non-vegetarian population, investigated the risk of mortality with self-identified vegetarianism and reported inconsistent results. This study evaluated prospective associations between vegetarian diets and all-cause mortality among 117,673 participants from the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial cohort study. Vegetarian diet status was self-identified on the questionnaire. Deaths were ascertained from follow-up questionnaires and the National Death Index database. Multivariable Cox regression models were used to estimate the risk of all-cause mortality in hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). By diet group, there were 116,894 omnivores (whose diet does not exclude animal products), 329 lacto- and/or ovo-vegetarians (whose diet excludes meat, but includes dairy and/or eggs), 310 pesco-vegetarians (whose diet excludes meat except for fish and seafood) and 140 vegans (whose diet excludes all animal products). After an average follow-up of 18 years, 39,763 participants were deceased. The risk of all-cause mortality did not statistically significantly differ among the four diet groups. Comparing with the omnivore group, the HR (95% CI) were 0.81 (0.64-1.03) for pesco-vegetarian group, 0.99 (0.80-1.22) for lacto- and/or ovo-vegetarian group and 1.27 (0.99-1.63) for vegan group, respectively. Similarly, mortality risk did not differ when comparing lacto- and/or ovo-vegetarians plus vegans with meat/fish eaters (omnivores and pesco-vegetarians) (HR [95% CI] = 1.09 [0.93-1.28]). As this study is one of the two studies of vegetarianism and mortality in non-vegetarian populations, further investigation is warranted.
Topics: Male; Animals; Humans; United States; Prospective Studies; Cohort Studies; Diet, Vegetarian; Diet; Meat
PubMed: 37996932
DOI: 10.1186/s41043-023-00460-9 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Sep 2023Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a non-communicable disease that affects >10% of the general population worldwide; the number of patients affected by CKD is increasing... (Review)
Review
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a non-communicable disease that affects >10% of the general population worldwide; the number of patients affected by CKD is increasing due in part to the rise in risk factors such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. As many studies show, diet can be an important tool for preventing and mitigating the onset of non-communicable diseases. Plant-based diets (PBDs) are those that emphasize the consumption of plant foods and may or may not include small or moderate amounts of animal foods. Recently, these diets have received increasing interest because they have been associated with favourable effects on health and also appear to protect against the development and progression of CKD. PBDs, which are associated with protein restrictions, seem to offer adjunctive advantages in patients with chronic kidney disease, as compared to conventional low-protein diets that include animal proteins. The principal aims of this review are to provide a comprehensive overview of the existing literature regarding the role of plant-based diets and low-protein, plant-based diets in the context of chronic kidney disease. Moreover, we try to clarify the definition of plant-based diets, and then we analyse possible concerns about the use of PBDs in patients with chronic kidney disease (nutritional deficiency and hyperkalaemia risk). Finally, we offer some strategies to increase the nutritional value of plant-based low-protein diets. In the Materials and Methods section, many studies about plant-based diets and low-protein plant-based diets (e.g., the very-low-protein diet and vegan low-protein diet, LPD) in chronic kidney disease were considered. In the Results and Conclusion section, current data, most from observational studies, agree upon the protective effect of plant-based diets on kidney function. Moreover, in patients with advanced CKD, low-protein plant-based options, especially a very-low-protein diet supplemented with heteroanalogues (VLPDs), compared to a conventional LPD appear to offer adjunctive advances in terms of delaying dialysis and mitigating metabolic disturbances. However, further studies are necessary to better investigate the possible metabolic and cardiovascular advantages of plant-based LPDs versus conventional LPDs.
PubMed: 37834781
DOI: 10.3390/jcm12196137 -
European Journal of Investigation in... Nov 2023Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a clinical condition with a prevalence of up to 25% in Western countries. Typical GERD symptoms include heartburn and...
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a clinical condition with a prevalence of up to 25% in Western countries. Typical GERD symptoms include heartburn and retrosternal regurgitation. Lifestyle modifications, including diet, are considered a first-line therapeutic approach. To evaluate the impact of life habits on GERD in this cross-sectional study, we used data collected through an online survey from 1146 participants. GERD was defined according to the Montreal Consensus. For all participants, clinical and lifestyle characteristics were recorded. Overall, 723 participants (63.1%) consumed a diet including animal food (non-vegans), and 423 participants (36.9%) were vegans. The prevalence of GERD was 11% (CI 95%, 9-14%) in non-vegans and 6% (CI 95%, 4-8%) in vegans. In the multivariate analysis, after adjusting for confounding factors, subjects on a non-vegan diet were associated with a two-fold increase in the prevalence of GERD compared to vegans (OR = 1.96, CI 95%, 1.22-3.17, = 0.006). BMI and smoking habits were also significantly associated with GERD. This study shows that an animal food-based diet (meat, fish, poultry, dairy, and eggs) is associated with an increased risk of GERD compared to a vegan diet. These findings might inform the lifestyle management of patients with GERD-related symptoms.
PubMed: 38131888
DOI: 10.3390/ejihpe13120189 -
Nutrients Jan 2024Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is defined as the co-occurrence of at least three of the following metabolic disorders: abdominal obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, low... (Review)
Review
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is defined as the co-occurrence of at least three of the following metabolic disorders: abdominal obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), high blood glucose, and hypertension. The treatment of MetS involves lifestyle changes, including following an appropriate diet. In addition to weight reduction, it is crucial to search for optimal nutritional patterns that are highly effective in optimizing other MetS markers, such as glucose and lipid metabolism, and reducing blood pressure. To date, the effects of a Mediterranean diet and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet on MetS have been extensively evaluated. Recent epidemiological studies suggest that plant-based diets (PBDs) may be effective in treating MetS; however, there is still a lack of experimental data. This review aims to analyze the potential benefits of different PBDs on MetS determinants based on the available studies. The findings may help personalize dietary interventions and improve patient care for those with MetS.
Topics: Humans; Metabolic Syndrome; Diet, Plant-Based; Diet; Obesity; Dietary Approaches To Stop Hypertension
PubMed: 38201994
DOI: 10.3390/nu16010165 -
Allergologie Select 2024Since the EAT-Lancet Commission's call for a change in diet towards more plant-based foods, especially protein sources, this so called "Planetary Health Diet (PHD)" has... (Review)
Review
Since the EAT-Lancet Commission's call for a change in diet towards more plant-based foods, especially protein sources, this so called "Planetary Health Diet (PHD)" has been widely discussed. While for some the reduction in animal foods is not enough and vegan diets are advocated to save the climate, others are sounding the alarm that the reduction is too drastic and that the PHD makes it impossible to provide a diet that meets our needs (of essential nutrients). In addition to climate aspects, health benefits often cited to justify the PHD do not take into account that vegetarians/vegans differ from the general population by far more factors than the reduction or elimination of animal foods. Also not sufficiently discussed is the fact that a diet which excludes or severely restricts animal foods is also associated with health risks if critical nutrients are not adequately covered. Moreover, the challenge of meeting protein requirements is underestimated by many. The food industry has responded to the trend towards more plant-based foods by massively expanding the range of highly processed or ultra-processed vegan foods. These - vegan or not vegan - are suspected of being partly responsible for the development of non-communicable diseases. In addition to general criticism regarding the usefulness of advertising the PHD, the replacement of animal protein sources with plant-based sources notably harbors a number of additional relevant risks for allergy sufferers so that the latter should be classified as an unfavorable target group for the implementation of the PHD recommendations.
PubMed: 38756209
DOI: 10.5414/ALX02471E -
BMC Nutrition Nov 2023Previous studies have created plant-based diet indices to assess the health effects of specific dietary patterns.
BACKGROUND
Previous studies have created plant-based diet indices to assess the health effects of specific dietary patterns.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the association between the plant-based content of diet and fasting insulin in adults from the NHANES 2017-2018 database.
METHODS
Demographic, dietary, lab and clinical data and fasting insulin were obtained from the NHANES 2017-2018 database. From two 24-h dietary recalls, we created a plant-based diet index (PDI) and a healthy plant-based diet index (hPDI). A high PDI score indicated more plants were consumed versus animal foods. A high hPDI score indicated healthier, plant materials (whole grains, whole fruits, vegetables, legumes, vegetable oils, seeds and nuts) were consumed. The relationships between the natural log of fasting insulin, PDI, and hPDI were analyzed using multiple linear regression adjusting for body mass index (BMI) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT).
RESULTS
Analyses were based on 1,714 participants, 897 women and 817 men with a median age of 52 years. In this sample, 610 (35.6%) were white, 407 (23.8%) were black, 231 (13.5%) were Mexican, 207 (12.1%) were Asian, 157 (9.2%) were other Hispanic, and 102 (6%) were other or mixed race. Median fasting insulin was 9.74 μU/mL (IQR: 6.2, 15.56). For every 1 unit increase in PDI, the natural log of fasting insulin decreased 0.0068 ± 0.003 μU/mL (CI: -0.00097, -0.013) (p = 0.02). After adjusting for BMI and ALT, the PDI did not significantly predict fasting insulin as the association was not robust due to multicollinearity. The hPDI was inversely and significantly associated with the natural log of fasting insulin (-0.0027 ± 0.00134, CI: -0.000087, -0.0053) (p = 0.043) in a multivariable model including BMI and ALT.
CONCLUSION
A healthy plant-based diet is associated with a decrease in fasting insulin levels. Healthfulness of the diet is an important factor when considering the benefit of a plant-based diet.
PubMed: 37924091
DOI: 10.1186/s40795-023-00780-3 -
Nutrition and Health Jul 2023Evidence associating plant-based diets with the proposed 'obsessively healthy eating' eating disorder, orthorexia nervosa, has mostly focused on females. Diet...
Vegan and vegetarian males and females have higher orthorexic traits than omnivores, and are motivated in their food choice by factors including ethics and weight control.
BACKGROUND
Evidence associating plant-based diets with the proposed 'obsessively healthy eating' eating disorder, orthorexia nervosa, has mostly focused on females. Diet motivations have seldom been assessed.
AIM
To compare orthorexic tendencies between vegans/vegetarians and omnivores of both sexes, and reasons behind food choice with an English-validated Food Choice Questionnaire.
METHODS
A cross-sectional survey of 444 males and females were recruited via social media, email, and Amazon MTurk; to investigate eating patterns, orthorexic tendencies using the ORTO-15 questionnaire, and eating motivations using the Food Choice Questionnaire.
RESULTS
Over half of the participants were male (53.4%), younger adults (mean ± SD 37.2 ± 11.2 years), and mostly from the United States (89%). Vegan and vegetarian eating habits were reported by 15.8% of people. Vegans/vegetarians had significantly higher orthorexic tendencies than omnivores, and chose food significantly more often for Weight Control, Ethical Concern, Natural Content, and Mood reasons. People with greater orthorexic tendencies (ORTO-15 score<35) chose food significantly more often for Weight Control and Ethical Concern reasons than those with less orthorexic tendencies (ORTO-15 score 35+).
CONCLUSION
This study's results are in line with the majority of the evidence that shows an association between vegan/vegetarian diets and orthorexic tendencies, but strengthens the evidence base by including more male participants. Additionally, this is the first study to use an English-validated motivation-based questionnaire that explored diet motivators in vegans/vegetarians compared to omnivories, and in those with orthorexic tendencies vs. those without orthorexic tendencies.
PubMed: 37464872
DOI: 10.1177/02601060231187924 -
The British Journal of Nutrition Sep 2023Approximately one-in-ten reproductive age adults in the USA follow a plant-based diet, yet there is limited information on the influence of vegan and vegetarian diets on...
Approximately one-in-ten reproductive age adults in the USA follow a plant-based diet, yet there is limited information on the influence of vegan and vegetarian diets on the mineral composition of breast milk. This study explored the major and trace mineral composition in breast milk and associations with maternal diet patterns. We used a cross-sectional design to collect a single sample of breast milk from individuals following vegan ( 23), vegetarian ( 19) and omnivore ( 21) diet patterns. Plant-based diet ( 42) was defined as following either vegan or vegetarian diets. Sixteen minerals were assessed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Data were evaluated using traditional statistical techniques and five different machine learning approaches. The distribution of Se (median; quartile 1 and 3) was significantly different between groups (vegetarians 21, 18-26 µg/l; vegans 19, 18-25 µg/l and omnivores 17, 14-20 µg/l; = 0·007) using a Kruskal-Wallis test. Machine learning techniques also identified Se as a potential biomarker for differentiating breast milk by maternal diet pattern. Individuals following a plant-based diet generally had a lower BMI, higher breast milk Se and lower breast milk I and Fe concentrations compared with those following omnivore diets. This suggests that maternal dietary pattern (plant-based . omnivore) may be helpful clinical information to consider when caring for the breast-feeding dyad, with the strongest evidence related to differences in Se concentration.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Female; Vegans; Trace Elements; Lactation; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diet; Diet, Vegan; Diet, Vegetarian; Vegetarians; Milk, Human
PubMed: 36562211
DOI: 10.1017/S0007114522004007 -
Current Cardiology Reports Mar 2024Hypertension results in significant morbidity, mortality, and healthcare expenditures. Fortunately, it is largely preventable and treatable by implementing dietary... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Hypertension results in significant morbidity, mortality, and healthcare expenditures. Fortunately, it is largely preventable and treatable by implementing dietary interventions, though these remain underutilized. Here, we aim to explore the role of healthy dietary patterns in hypertension management and describe approaches for busy clinicians to address nutrition effectively and efficiently with patients.
RECENT FINDINGS
DASH, Mediterranean, vegetarian, and vegan diets that include minimally processed, plant-based foods as core elements have consistently shown positive effects on hypertension. Recommendations that distill the most healthful components of these diets can significantly impact patient outcomes. Clinicians can harness evidence-based dietary assessment and counseling tools to implement and support behavioral changes, even during brief office visits. Healthful plant-based dietary patterns can often effectively prevent and treat hypertension. Clinicians may help improve patient outcomes by discussing evidence-based nutrition with their patients. Future work to promote infrastructural change that supports incorporating evidence-based nutrition into medical education, clinical care, and society at large can support these efforts.
Topics: Humans; Blood Pressure; Diet; Diet, Plant-Based; Hypertension
PubMed: 38526748
DOI: 10.1007/s11886-023-02008-z