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Advances in Nutrition (Bethesda, Md.) Jan 2023Plant-based diets (PBDs) have become very popular in recent years and have been identified as a dietary strategy associated with protection against chronic disease.... (Review)
Review
Plant-based diets (PBDs) have become very popular in recent years and have been identified as a dietary strategy associated with protection against chronic disease. However, the classifications of PBDs vary depending on the type of diet. Some PBDs have been recognized as healthful for their high content of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber, or unhealthful if they are high in simple sugars and saturated fat. Depending on this classification, the type of PBD impacts its protective effects against disease dramatically. Metabolic syndrome (MetS), characterized by the presence of high plasma triglycerides and low HDL cholesterol, impaired glucose metabolism, elevated blood pressure, and increased concentrations of inflammatory biomarkers, also increases the risk for heart disease and diabetes. Thus, healthful plant-based diets could be considered favorable for individuals having MetS. The different types of plant-based diets (vegan, lacto-vegetarian, lacto-ovo-vegetarian, or pescatarian) are discussed with a focus on specific effects of dietary components in maintaining a healthy weight, protecting against dyslipidemias, insulin resistance, hypertension, and low-grade inflammation.
Topics: Humans; Metabolic Syndrome; Insulin Resistance; Diet, Vegetarian; Inflammation; Hypertension; Dyslipidemias
PubMed: 36811593
DOI: 10.1016/j.advnut.2022.10.002 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2021There is a growing global need to shift from animal- towards plant-based diets. The main motivations are environmental/sustainability-, human health- and animal welfare... (Review)
Review
There is a growing global need to shift from animal- towards plant-based diets. The main motivations are environmental/sustainability-, human health- and animal welfare concerns. The aim is to replace traditional animal-based food with various alternatives, predominantly plant-based analogs. The elevated consumption of fish and seafood, leads to negative impacts on the ecosystem, due to dwindling biodiversity, environmental damage and fish diseases related to large-scale marine farming, and increased intake of toxic substances, particularly heavy metals, which accumulate in fish due to water pollution. While these facts lead to increased awareness and rising dietary shifts towards vegetarian and vegan lifestyles, still the majority of seafood consumers seek traditional products. This encourages the development of plant-based analogs for fish and seafood, mimicking the texture and sensorial properties of fish-meat, seafood, or processed fish products. Mimicking the internal structure and texture of fish or seafood requires simulating their nanometric fibrous-gel structure. Common techniques of structuring plant-based proteins into such textures include hydrospinning, electrospinning, extrusion, and 3D printing. The conditions required in each technique, the physicochemical and functional properties of the proteins, along with the use of other non-protein functional ingredients are reviewed. Trends and possible future developments are discussed.
Topics: Animals; Diet, Vegan; Diet, Vegetarian; Fish Products; Food Ingredients; Food Preferences; Food Technology; Humans; Plant Proteins, Dietary; Printing, Three-Dimensional; Seafood; Soy Foods
PubMed: 33809067
DOI: 10.3390/molecules26061559 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Sep 2023Diet is known to play a role in the development of skin disorders. While a vegan diet is frequently described as a risk factor for skin disease secondary to nutritional... (Review)
Review
Diet is known to play a role in the development of skin disorders. While a vegan diet is frequently described as a risk factor for skin disease secondary to nutritional deficiency, this risk may be overestimated. This review aims to debunk myths and provide information on skin disorders and inflammatory skin conditions that have associations with specific nutritional deficiencies in the context of a vegan diet. A literature search was performed for each nutrient and inflammatory skin disease using the PubMed/MEDLINE database and public health website pages concerning a vegan diet. The literature has individual cases reporting skin disease due to deficiencies in vitamin B2 and vitamin A in patients following a vegan diet. The recommended daily amounts of nutrients and vitamins can be fulfilled on a vegan diet. Vegan diets also avoid food groups such as dairy and other animal-based products, which holds benefits in inflammatory skin diseases including acne, psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, and atopic dermatitis. Overall, the risk of skin disease secondary to nutritional deficiency in patients following a vegan diet is very low and likely over-emphasized. A well-balanced and conscientiously planned vegan diet can adequately provide the necessary amounts of proteins, vitamins, and minerals to support skin health.
PubMed: 37762741
DOI: 10.3390/jcm12185800 -
JAMA Network Open Jan 2023More African American individuals die from cardiovascular disease (CVD) than any other chronic disease condition. Despite this disparity, African American individuals... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
IMPORTANCE
More African American individuals die from cardiovascular disease (CVD) than any other chronic disease condition. Despite this disparity, African American individuals are underrepresented in nutrition and CVD interventions.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the effects of an entirely plant-based (vegan) or low-fat omnivorous (omni) diet on change in body weight and lipids during a 2-year intervention.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS
The Nutritious Eating With Soul (NEW Soul) study was a 2-year, randomized clinical trial conducted in 2 cohorts (2018-2020 and 2019-2021) that took place in a university teaching kitchen in Columbia, South Carolina (before March 2020), and via online videoconference sessions (after March 2020). Participants included African American adults aged 18 to 65 years with overweight or obesity (body mass index of 25.0-49.9) and without type 2 diabetes, uncontrolled thyroid disease, recent weight loss, or pregnancy. Data assessors and statisticians were blinded to study condition. Data analysis was performed from March to June 2022.
INTERVENTIONS
The intervention included weekly nutrition classes for 6 months biweekly classes for 6 months, and monthly classes for 12 months. Dietary interventions either emphasized no animal product intake (vegan) or a low-fat omnivorous diet (omni). Both dietary patterns emphasized soul food cuisine (traditional African American southern foodways).
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
Primary outcomes included change in body weight and lipid measures at 12 months.
RESULTS
There were 568 participants who completed an online screening questionnaire; 409 were excluded and 159 were randomized (77 to the vegan group and 82 to the omni group). Of the 159 participants (mean [SD] age, 48.4 [10.6] years; 126 female [79%]) who began the study, the main outcome of body weight was obtained for 121 participants (76%) at 12 months. There were no differences in outcomes between groups, including 12-month changes in weight (mean, -2.39 kg [95% CI, -3.48 to -1.30 kg] for the vegan group vs -2.03 kg [95% CI, -3.07 to -1.00 kg] for the omni group; P = .64), total cholesterol (-1.05 mg/dL [95% CI, -9.60 to 7.50 mg/dL] for the vegan group vs 1.66 mg/dL [95% CI, -7.20 to 10.50 mg/dL] for the omni group; P = .67), or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (mean, -2.56 mg/dL [95% CI, -9.52 to 4.40 mg/dL] for the vegan group vs -0.79 mg/dL [95% CI, -7.98 to 6.40 mg/dL] for the omni group; P = .73). Weight loss at 12 months among cohort 1, whose weight was assessed in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic, was significantly greater than that for cohort 2, whose weight was assessed summer 2020 during COVID-19 (-3.45 kg [95% CI, -4.67 to -2.22 kg] vs -1.24 kg [95% CI, -2.24 to -0.25 kg]; P = .01).
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
In this randomized clinical trial examining weight loss and CVD risk factor reduction among African American adults, there were no differences between the groups, and the magnitude of changes overall was small.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03354377.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Adult; Humans; Middle Aged; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Black or African American; Pandemics; COVID-19; Obesity; Weight Loss; Diet, Fat-Restricted; Cholesterol; Cardiovascular Diseases; Lipids
PubMed: 36633848
DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.50626 -
Advances in Nutrition (Bethesda, Md.) Jun 2022Consumers are increasingly encouraged to consume more plant-based foods and lower their consumption of foods from animal origin. Concurrently, older adults are...
Consumers are increasingly encouraged to consume more plant-based foods and lower their consumption of foods from animal origin. Concurrently, older adults are recommended to consume an adequate amount of high-quality dietary protein for the prevention of age-related muscle loss. In the current Perspective article, we discuss why it may not be preferred to consume a vegan diet at an older age. Our perspective is based on the proposed lower bioavailability and functionality of proteins in a vegan diet due to the matrix of the whole-food protein sources, the lower essential amino acid (EAA) content, and specific EAA deficiencies in proteins derived from plant-based foods. We propose that a vegan diet increases the risk of an inadequate protein intake at an older age and that current strategies to improve the anabolic properties of plant-based foods are not feasible for many older adults. We provide recommendations for further research to substantiate the remaining knowledge gaps regarding the consequences of a vegan diet on skeletal muscle mass and strength at an older age.
Topics: Aged; Amino Acids, Essential; Animals; Diet, Vegan; Dietary Proteins; Eating; Humans; Muscle, Skeletal
PubMed: 35108354
DOI: 10.1093/advances/nmac009 -
Sports (Basel, Switzerland) Jan 2021Vegan diets are increasingly of interest to athletes, but require a well-planned approach in order to mitigate the risk of potential adverse effects on nutrient intakes,...
Vegan diets are increasingly of interest to athletes, but require a well-planned approach in order to mitigate the risk of potential adverse effects on nutrient intakes, and consequently performance. This case study reports the process of an elite male Gaelic football player (age 25 years; height, 1.88 m; body mass, 87.8 kg; lean body mass, 73.26 kg; body fat, 11.3%) transitioning from an omnivorous diet to a vegan diet at the beginning of a competitive season. The report encompasses key considerations in the planning and provision of nutrition support in this context, in addition to iterations needed based on challenges presented by the athlete. Analysis of nutrient intake (Nutritics Dietary Analysis Software), body composition (dual X-ray absorptiometry; Lunar iDXA, GE Healthcare), and running performance during match-play (global positioning system-based tracking; STATSports Apex) each indicated that with adequate knowledge and education, and appropriate planning, commitment and iterative feedback, the athlete was able to meet nutrition targets on a vegan diet without compromising key performance indicators compared to the omnivorous diet of the previous season. We anticipate that this case study will assist practitioners to recognize the key considerations to address when working with athletes transitioning to a vegan diet.
PubMed: 33466231
DOI: 10.3390/sports9010006 -
Cureus Mar 2024In this article, we discuss the ethics of veganism by looking at the moral implications of having a vegan diet or plant-based diet. Veganism is a way of diet that... (Review)
Review
In this article, we discuss the ethics of veganism by looking at the moral implications of having a vegan diet or plant-based diet. Veganism is a way of diet that forbids or avoids consuming any animal products. It has drawn a lot of interest recently due to awareness or trends of vegan diet, human health, and ethical behavior benefits. The aim of the research is to look into the moral values that talk about veganism, such as animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and human welfare. In this study, we conduct a thorough assessment of ethical theories and actual evidence in an effort to know about the ethical reasons for veganism and its larger societal impacts. Through an analysis of existing literature and clinical studies, we discuss the various challenges, advantages, lifestyle modification, and nutritional concerns related to a vegan diet.
PubMed: 38618417
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.56214 -
Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition... Jan 2024Recent findings in the influence of dietary patterns, dairy products, beverages and microbiota composition and function on bone health are reviewed and discussed. (Review)
Review Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Recent findings in the influence of dietary patterns, dairy products, beverages and microbiota composition and function on bone health are reviewed and discussed.
RECENT FINDINGS
Evidence is accumulating on the increased risk of fracture in individuals following a vegan diet. Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials indicates a favourable, though of low amplitude, effect of dairy products on bone mass accrual during childhood and adolescence. Though mostly based on results from observational studies, it seems that dairy product consumption, particularly fermented dairy products, is associated with a lower risk of hip fracture. Regular green tea drinkers may have a lower fracture risk than tea abstainers. Magnesium intake is beneficial for bone health. Prune supplements prevents bone loss in untreated postmenopausal women. This seems to be associated with modification of gut microbiota.
SUMMARY
This information should help the medical practitioners facing questions from their patients on how to protect bone health through nutrition.
Topics: Adolescent; Humans; Female; Bone Density; Dairy Products; Bone and Bones; Hip Fractures; Biology
PubMed: 37922025
DOI: 10.1097/MCO.0000000000000988 -
Menopause (New York, N.Y.) Jul 2021This study aimed to assess the effects of the combination of a low-fat plant-based diet and soybeans on the frequency and severity of menopausal hot flashes. (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to assess the effects of the combination of a low-fat plant-based diet and soybeans on the frequency and severity of menopausal hot flashes.
METHODS
Postmenopausal women (n = 38) reporting two or more hot flashes/day were randomly assigned to a low-fat, vegan diet, including ½ cup (86 g) of cooked soybeans daily, or to no diet changes for 12 weeks. Frequency and severity of hot flashes were recorded using a mobile application, and vasomotor, psychosocial, physical, and sexual symptoms were assessed using the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire. Significance was assessed using t-tests (continuous outcomes) and chi-squared/McNemar tests (binary outcomes).
RESULTS
Total hot flashes decreased 79% in the intervention group (P < 0.001) and 49% in the control group (P = 0.002; between-group P = 0.01). Moderate-to-severe hot flashes decreased 84% in the intervention group (P < 0.001) and 42% in the control group P = 0.009; between-group P = 0.01). From 0 to 12 weeks, 59% (10/17) of intervention-group participants reported becoming free of moderate and severe hot flashes (P = 0.002). There was no change in this variable in the control group (between-group P < 0.001). The Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire revealed significantly greater reductions in the intervention group in vasomotor (P < 0.0001), psychosocial (P = 0.04), physical (P < 0.002), and sexual (P = 0.01) domains.
CONCLUSIONS
The combination of a low-fat, vegan diet and whole soybeans was associated with reduced frequency and severity of hot flashes and improved quality of life in vasomotor, psychosocial, physical, and sexual domains in postmenopausal women. During the 12-week study period, the majority of intervention-group participants became free of moderate-to-severe hot flashes.
Topics: Diet, Vegetarian; Hot Flashes; Humans; Menopause; Postmenopause; Quality of Life; Glycine max
PubMed: 34260478
DOI: 10.1097/GME.0000000000001812 -
Tidsskrift For Den Norske Laegeforening... May 2022
Topics: Breast Feeding; Diet; Diet, Vegan; Diet, Vegetarian; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Infant; Mothers; Pregnancy; Pregnant Women; Vegetarians
PubMed: 35510463
DOI: 10.4045/tidsskr.21.0847