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Acta Obstetricia Et Gynecologica... Jun 2024The number of people adhering to plant-based diets has been increasing dramatically in recent years, fueled by both environmental and animal welfare concerns. Beneficial... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
INTRODUCTION
The number of people adhering to plant-based diets has been increasing dramatically in recent years, fueled by both environmental and animal welfare concerns. Beneficial or possible adverse consequences of such diets, particularly the most restrictive forms during pregnancy, have been minimally explored. The aim of this prospective observational study was to examine associations between different forms of plant-based diets during pregnancy with birth outcomes and pregnancy complications.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
The Danish National Birth Cohort included 100 413 pregnancies to 91 381 women in 1996-2002. The population consisted of 66 738 pregnancies, about which sufficient dietary data were available and included in the study. Dietary and supplemental intake was assessed by Food Frequency Questionnaire in gestational week 25 and women were characterized as fish/poultry-vegetarians, lacto/ovo-vegetarians, vegans or omnivorous, based on their self-report in gestational week 30. Main outcome measures were pregnancy and birth complications, birthweight and small for gestational age.
RESULTS
A total of 98.7% (n = 65 872) of participants were defined as omnivorous, whereas 1.0% (n = 666), 0.3% (n = 183) and 0.03% (n = 18) identified themselves as fish/poultry vegetarians, lacto/ovo-vegetarians or vegans, respectively. Protein intake was lower among lacto/ovo-vegetarians (13.3%) and vegans (10.4%) than among omnivorous participants (15.4%). Intake of micronutrients was also considerably lower among vegans, but when dietary supplements were taken into consideration, no major differences were observed. Compared with omnivorous mothers, vegans had a higher prevalence of preeclampsia and their offspring had on average -240 g (95% confidence interval -450 to -30) lower birthweight.
CONCLUSIONS
The women reporting that they adhered to vegan diets during pregnancy had offspring with lower mean birthweight and higher risk of preeclampsia compared with omnivorous mothers. Low protein intake might be one plausible explanation for the observed association with birthweight.
Topics: Humans; Female; Pregnancy; Prospective Studies; Denmark; Diet, Vegetarian; Adult; Pregnancy Outcome; Infant, Newborn; Birth Weight; Pregnancy Complications; Infant, Small for Gestational Age; Cohort Studies; Diet, Plant-Based
PubMed: 38263894
DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14778 -
Journal of Parkinson's Disease Jan 2024The aim of this review is to examine the intersection of Parkinson's disease (PD) with nutrition, to identify best nutritional practices based on current evidence, and... (Review)
Review
The aim of this review is to examine the intersection of Parkinson's disease (PD) with nutrition, to identify best nutritional practices based on current evidence, and to identify gaps in the evidence and suggest future directions. Epidemiological work has linked various dietary patterns and food groups to changes in PD risk; however, fewer studies have evaluated the role of various diets, dietary components, and supplements in the management of established PD. There is substantial interest in exploring the role of diet-related interventions in both symptomatic management and potential disease modification. In this paper, we evaluate the utility of several dietary patterns, including the Mediterranean (MeDi), Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND), Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI), vegan/vegetarian, and ketogenic diet in persons with PD. Additionally, we provide an overview of the evidence relating several individual food groups and nutritional supplements to PD risk, symptoms and progression.
PubMed: 38251061
DOI: 10.3233/JPD-230264 -
Frontiers in Nutrition 2023[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1294497.].
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1294497.].
PubMed: 38249605
DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1354336 -
International Journal of Food Sciences... Mar 2024The nutrient composition of plant-based burgers is a key factor when making their purchase/consumption decision to maintain a balanced diet. For this reason, ingredient...
The nutrient composition of plant-based burgers is a key factor when making their purchase/consumption decision to maintain a balanced diet. For this reason, ingredient list and nutritional information of burgers launched in the global market were retrieved from their labels. Products were classified based on the technology development, market position and region of the manufacturer. From the ingredient analysis, we observed a high heterogeneity in the ingredients used, a predominance of soy and wheat as main sources of proteins, and the increasing use of new protein sources (e.g. peas, other types of beans and pseudo-cereals). Oil was the most cited ingredient followed by salt. Nutritional composition varied mainly depending on the region with no clear pattern among countries. To less extent, technology development resulted in traditional products with lower amounts of protein and higher amounts of carbohydrates. Vegan and vegetarian products showed limited differences due to the high intra-heterogenicity.
Topics: Humans; Nutrients; Proteins; Meat Products; Vegetarians; Vegans
PubMed: 38230681
DOI: 10.1080/09637486.2024.2303029 -
Appetite Apr 2024A sustainable dietary transition requires knowledge of the drivers and barriers of dietary choices. We investigate the role of preferences for domestic food, as well as...
A sustainable dietary transition requires knowledge of the drivers and barriers of dietary choices. We investigate the role of preferences for domestic food, as well as environmental and health concerns, as drivers for the consumption of red and white meat, fish, ready-made plant-based food products and self-identification as some type of meat reducer (flexitarian, vegetarian, or vegan). A survey of 1102 consumers was conducted in Norway with questions about food attitudes, beliefs and preferences regarding health, the environment and domestic food as well as dietary habits and demographics. The results from interval and logistic regression analyses show that stronger preferences for domestic food are associated with higher consumption of red meat and a lower likelihood of eating plant-based food and identifying as a meat reducer. Health concerns are associated with higher consumption of white meat and fish, and environmental concern is associated with lower consumption of white meat and a higher likelihood of eating plant-based food. The results also confirm previous research results that disbelief regarding the negative health and environmental impacts of meat correlate with higher meat consumption and a lower likelihood of eating plant-based food. In addition, we find that people who believe that Norway is a country primarily suited for livestock production have higher consumption of meat and a lower likelihood of eating plant-based food. We conclude that to make certain consumers transition away from meat, it is important to provide domestically produced, plant-based alternatives and to implement policy measures that will generate positive storylines of improved farmer livelihoods.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Diet; Meat; Feeding Behavior; Red Meat; Surveys and Questionnaires; Consumer Behavior; Food Preferences
PubMed: 38224838
DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2024.107206 -
Translational Animal Science 2024The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of including monensin and two doses of CNSE in a high producing dairy cow diet on ruminal bacterial communities....
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of including monensin and two doses of CNSE in a high producing dairy cow diet on ruminal bacterial communities. A dual-flow continuous culture system was used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin Square design. A basal diet was formulated to meet the requirements of a cow producing 45 kg of milk per d (17% crude protein and 27% starch). There were four experimental treatments: the basal diet without any feed additive (CON), 2.5 μM monensin (MON), 100 ppm CNSE granule (CNSE100), and 200 ppm CNSE granule (CNSE200). Samples were collected from the fluid and solid effluents at 3, 6, and 9 h after feeding; a composite of all time points was made for each fermenter within their respective fractions. Bacterial community composition was analyzed by sequencing the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene using the Illumina MiSeq platform. Treatment responses for bacterial community structure were analyzed with the PERMANOVA test run with the R package. Treatment responses for correlations were analyzed with the CORR procedure of SAS. Orthogonal contrasts were used to test the effects of (1) ADD (CON vs. MON, CNSE100, and CNSE200); (2) MCN (MON vs. CNSE100 and CNSE200); and (3) DOSE (CNSE100 vs. CNSE200). Significance was declared at ≤ 0.05. We observed that the relative abundance of ( < 0.01) ( = 0.05) ( = 0.03) ( = 0.01), and ( < 0.01) from the liquid fraction and the relative abundance of ( = 0.03) and ( = 0.02) from the solid fraction decreased, while the relative abundance of ( = 0.02) increased in response to MON when compared to CNSE treatments. Our results demonstrate that CNSE and monensin have similar effects on the major ruminal bacterial genera, while some differences were observed in some minor genera. Overall, the tested additives would affect the ruminal fermentation in a similar pattern.
PubMed: 38221956
DOI: 10.1093/tas/txad148 -
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 -
Nutrients Dec 2023The popularity of veganism and plant-based diets is rapidly increasing worldwide, including in Italy, where more individuals and families are adopting this lifestyle....
The popularity of veganism and plant-based diets is rapidly increasing worldwide, including in Italy, where more individuals and families are adopting this lifestyle. However, medical and health professionals often lack the necessary knowledge and are skeptical about this diet despite the scientific evidence. It is important for them to provide support and expertise to those following this diet. The survey evaluated various aspects of the lifestyle of Italian vegans living in Italy and abroad, including food frequency, vitamin and mineral supplementation, relationship with medical and health professionals, and perceived difficulties in daily life. The emphasis was on potentially critical aspects for those following this dietary choice. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Italy between March and April 2022. A questionnaire was distributed through social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and Telegram, and 2180 Italian adults who follow a vegan diet completed it. The survey found that most of the vegan population surveyed were female, showed a greater sensitivity to ethical issues, were aware of the need for vitamin B12 supplementation, and followed healthy-eating guidelines. It is evident that despite the increasing popularity of plant-based diets, many medical and health professionals remain cautious and hesitant to recommend them.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Diet, Vegan; Vegans; Cross-Sectional Studies; Life Style; Italy; Vitamins
PubMed: 38201916
DOI: 10.3390/nu16010086 -
Foods (Basel, Switzerland) Dec 2023Nowadays, consumers are aware of the necessity of following a healthy diet and there is demand for natural and nutritious food products, especially for children.... (Review)
Review
Nowadays, consumers are aware of the necessity of following a healthy diet and there is demand for natural and nutritious food products, especially for children. Consequently, new trends in the food industry are focused on the development of foods with low levels of sucrose and artificial additives (e.g., flavors and colorants), as well as high antioxidant, protein, and fiber content. On the other hand, some consumers demand vegan, halal, and kosher-certified food products. In this regard, conventional confectionary products such as gummy candies (GCs) are increasingly losing their popularity. Therefore, the development of plant-based and functional GCs has gained the attention of researchers and manufacturers. This review highlights recent innovations in the development of GCs with alternative gelling agents and sweeteners, natural flavors and colorants, and the incorporation of medicines, fiber, protein and antioxidants into GCs. Additionally, it summarizes their effects on the techno-functional, sensory, and nutritional properties of GCs.
PubMed: 38201104
DOI: 10.3390/foods13010076 -
Journal of Eating Disorders Jan 2024Eating disorders have one of the highest mortality of all mental illnesses but are associated with low rates of screening and early intervention. In addition, there...
BACKGROUND
Eating disorders have one of the highest mortality of all mental illnesses but are associated with low rates of screening and early intervention. In addition, there remains considerable uncertainty regarding the use of current standardised screening tools in measuring eating pathology in vegetarians and vegans. With these groups presenting as potential at-risk groups for disordered eating development, the present study aimed to develop and preliminary validate a novel eating disorder screening tool, the Vegetarian Vegan Eating Disorder Screener (V-EDS).
METHODS
We utilised a mixed-methods approach, comprising four phases.
RESULTS
A conceptual framework was developed from 25 community, clinician, and lived experience interviews and used to derive a preliminary set of 163 items (Phase 1). Phase 2 piloted the items to establish face and content validity through cognitive debriefing interviews of 18 additional community, clinician, and lived experience participants, resulting in a reduced, revised questionnaire of 53 items. Phase 3 involved scale purification using Item Response Theory in analysis of 230 vegetarians and 230 vegans resulting in a further reduced 18-item questionnaire. Phase 4 validated the screening tool in a large community sample of 245 vegetarians and 405 vegans using traditional psychometric analysis, finding the V-EDS supports a unidimensional factor structure with excellent internal consistency (α = 0.95-0.96) and convergent validity (0.87-0.88), and moderate discriminate validity (0.45-0.55).
CONCLUSIONS
This study provided strong initial support for the psychometric validity and theoretical assumptions of the novel V-EDS screening tool. The V-EDS has the potential to increase early intervention rates for vegetarians and vegans experiencing eating disorder symptoms, further supporting advocacy and treatment approaches for these expanding dietary groups.
PubMed: 38195575
DOI: 10.1186/s40337-024-00964-7