-
Nutrients Mar 2019Vegetarian and vegan diets have increased worldwide in the last decades, according to the knowledge that they might prevent coronary heart disease, cancer, and type 2... (Review)
Review
Vegetarian and vegan diets have increased worldwide in the last decades, according to the knowledge that they might prevent coronary heart disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes. Althought plant-based diets are at risk of nutritional deficiencies such as proteins, iron, vitamin D, calcium, iodine, omega-3, and vitamin B12, the available evidence shows that well planned vegetarian and vegan diets may be considered safe during pregnancy and lactation, but they require a strong awareness for a balanced intake of key nutrients. A review of the scientific literature in this field was performed, focusing specifically on observational studies in humans, in order to investigate protective effects elicited by maternal diets enriched in plant-derived foods and possible unfavorable outcomes related to micronutrients deficiencies and their impact on fetal development. A design of pregestational nutrition intervention is required in order to avoid maternal undernutrition and consequent impaired fetal growth.
Topics: Diet, Vegan; Diet, Vegetarian; Female; Fetal Growth Retardation; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Newborn, Diseases; Lactation; Malnutrition; Maternal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Micronutrients; Nutritional Requirements; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications
PubMed: 30845641
DOI: 10.3390/nu11030557 -
Clinical Nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland) May 2021Vegan diets, where animal- and all their by-products are excluded from the diet, have gained popularity, especially in the last decade. However, the evaluation of this...
BACKGROUND
Vegan diets, where animal- and all their by-products are excluded from the diet, have gained popularity, especially in the last decade. However, the evaluation of this type of diet has not been well addressed in the scientific literature. This study aimed to investigate the adequacy of vegan diets in European populations and of their macro- and micronutrient intakes compared to World Health Organization recommendations.
METHODS
A systematic search in PubMed, Web of Science, IBSS, Cochrane library and Google Scholar was conducted and 48 studies (12 cohorts and 36 cross-sectional) were included.
RESULTS
Regarding macronutrients, vegan diets are lower in protein intake compared with all other diet types. Veganism is also associated with low intake of vitamins B, Niacin (B), B, D, iodine, zinc, calcium, potassium, selenium. Vitamin B intake among vegans is significantly lower (0.24-0.49 μg, recommendations are 2.4 μg) and calcium intake in the majority of vegans was below recommendations (750 mg/d). No significant differences in fat intake were observed. Vegan diets are not related to deficiencies in vitamins A, B, Β, C, E, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, copper and folate and have a low glycemic load.
CONCLUSIONS
Following a vegan diet may result in deficiencies in micronutrients (vitamin B, zinc, calcium and selenium) which should not be disregarded. However, low micro- and macronutrient intakes are not always associated with health impairments. Individuals who consume a vegan diet should be aware of the risk of potential dietary deficiencies.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Diet, Vegan; Europe; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Nutrients; Nutritive Value; Vitamins; Young Adult
PubMed: 33341313
DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2020.11.035 -
Nutrients Mar 2021Plant-based diets (PBDs) are increasingly consumed by the Italian population and around the world. In particular, among PBDs, the vegan diet is a food pattern... (Review)
Review
Plant-based diets (PBDs) are increasingly consumed by the Italian population and around the world. In particular, among PBDs, the vegan diet is a food pattern characterized by the exclusion of all animal-origin foods. What drives people to adopt this model are mainly ethical, health and environmental reasons. A vegan diet, if well-balanced and varied, can help in achieving and maintaining an optimal state of health. However, this nutritional approach, if not well-balanced, can cause deficiencies in proteins, ω-3 fatty acids, iron, vitamin D and calcium, zinc, iodine and, above all, vitamin B12. Oral food supplements especially fortified foods are recommended in these cases to restore the nutritional deficiencies. A vegan diet generally reduces the risk of developing chronic non-communicable degenerative diseases, such as metabolic syndrome (MetS) and, in addition, requires fewer natural resources for food production than an omnivorous diet. The aim of this review is to analyze the possible impact of the vegan diet on MetS onset and its treatment.
Topics: Blood Pressure; Calcium, Dietary; Cardiovascular Diseases; Databases, Factual; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Diet, Vegan; Dietary Supplements; Fatty Acids, Omega-3; Humans; Iron; Italy; Lipid Metabolism; Metabolic Syndrome; Obesity; Vitamin D
PubMed: 33801269
DOI: 10.3390/nu13030817 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Feb 2020The human gut microbiota is considered a well-known complex ecosystem composed of distinct microbial populations, playing a significant role in most aspects of human... (Review)
Review
The human gut microbiota is considered a well-known complex ecosystem composed of distinct microbial populations, playing a significant role in most aspects of human health and wellness. Several factors such as infant transitions, dietary habits, age, consumption of probiotics and prebiotics, use of antibiotics, intestinal comorbidities, and even metabolic diseases may continously alter microbiota diversity and function. The study of vegan diet-microbiota interactions is a rapidly evolving field, since plenty of research has been focused on the potential effects of plant-based dietary patterns on the human gut microbiota. It has been reported that well-planned vegan diets and their associated components affect both the bacterial composition and metabolic pathways of gut microbiota. Certain benefits associated with medical disorders but also limitations (including nutritional deficiencies) have been documented. Although the vegan diet may be inadequate in calorific value, it is rich in dietary fiber, polyphenols, and antioxidant vitamins. The aim of the present study was to provide an update of the existing knowledge on nutritional status of vegan diets and the influence of their food components on the human gut microbiota and health.
Topics: Diet, Vegan; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Gastrointestinal Tract; Humans; Nutritional Status
PubMed: 32098430
DOI: 10.3390/medicina56020088 -
Deutsches Arzteblatt International Aug 2020In Germany, public interest in a vegan diet is steadily growing. There are, however, no current data on the macro- and micronutrient status of vegans.
BACKGROUND
In Germany, public interest in a vegan diet is steadily growing. There are, however, no current data on the macro- and micronutrient status of vegans.
METHODS
In a cross-sectional study entitled "The Risks and Benefits of a Vegan Diet" (RBVD), we investigated the dietary intake, basic laboratory parameters, vitamin status, and trace-element status of 36 vegans and 36 persons on an omnivorous diet. Each group consisted of 18 men and 18 women aged 30-60.
RESULTS
Nearly all the vegans and one-third of the persons on a mixed diet had consumed supplements in the previous 4 weeks. Vegans and nonvegans had similar energy intake but differed in the intake of both macronutrients (e.g., dietary fiber) and micronutrients (e.g., vitamins B12, B2, D, E, and K, as well as folate, iodine, and iron). There were no intergroup differences in the biomarkers of vitamin B12, vitamin D, or iron status. The ferritin values and blood counts indicated iron deficiency in four vegans and three non-vegans. Measurements in 24-hour urine samples revealed lower calcium excretion and markedly lower iodine excretion in vegans compared to non-vegans; in one-third of the vegans, iodine excretion was lower than the WHO threshold value (<20 μg/L) for severe iodine deficiency.
CONCLUSION
Vitamin B12 status was similarly good in vegans and non-vegans, even though the vegans consumed very little dietary B12. This may be due to the high rate of supplementation. The findings imply a need to also assure adequate iodine intake in the population, especially among persons on a vegan diet.
Topics: Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diet, Vegan; Diet, Vegetarian; Female; Germany; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Minerals; Vitamins
PubMed: 33161940
DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.2020.0575 -
Nutrients Jun 2021A protective effect of vegan diets on health outcomes has been observed in previous studies, but its impact on diabetes is still debated. The aim of this review is to...
A protective effect of vegan diets on health outcomes has been observed in previous studies, but its impact on diabetes is still debated. The aim of this review is to assess the relationship between vegan diets and the risk for type 2 diabetes (T2D) along with its effect on glycemic control and diabetes-related complications. In accordance with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, Pubmed and Cochrane library databases were systematically searched for all relevant studies. Seven observational and eight randomized controlled (RCTs) studies were included. The methodological quality of studies was assessed using the National Institutes of Health quality assessment tool for observational cohort and cross-sectional studies and the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for RCTs. We found that a vegan diet is associated with lower T2D prevalence or incidence and in T2D patients decreases high glucose values and improves glucose homeostasis, as reported from the majority of included studies. This approach seems to be comparable to other recommended healthful eating models, but as it may have potential adverse effects associated with the long-term exclusion of some nutrients, appropriate nutritional planning and surveillance are recommended, particularly in specific groups of diabetic patients such as frail elderly, adolescents, and pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Topics: Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Diet, Vegan; Female; Glycemic Control; Humans; Incidence; Male; Observational Studies as Topic; Prevalence; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 34205679
DOI: 10.3390/nu13062123 -
Journal of the International Society of... 2017With the growth of social media as a platform to share information, veganism is becoming more visible, and could be becoming more accepted in sports and in the health... (Review)
Review
With the growth of social media as a platform to share information, veganism is becoming more visible, and could be becoming more accepted in sports and in the health and fitness industry. However, to date, there appears to be a lack of literature that discusses how to manage vegan diets for athletic purposes. This article attempted to review literature in order to provide recommendations for how to construct a vegan diet for athletes and exercisers. While little data could be found in the sports nutrition literature specifically, it was revealed elsewhere that veganism creates challenges that need to be accounted for when designing a nutritious diet. This included the sufficiency of energy and protein; the adequacy of vitamin B12, iron, zinc, calcium, iodine and vitamin D; and the lack of the long-chain -3 fatty acids EPA and DHA in most plant-based sources. However, via the strategic management of food and appropriate supplementation, it is the contention of this article that a nutritive vegan diet be designed to achieve the dietary needs of most athletes satisfactorily. Further, it was suggested here that creatine and β-alanine supplementation might be of particular use to vegan athletes, owing to vegetarian diets promoting lower muscle creatine and lower muscle carnosine levels in consumers. Empirical research is needed to examine the effects of vegan diets in athletic populations however, especially if this movement grows in popularity, to ensure that the health and performance of athletic vegans is optimised in accordance with developments in sports nutrition knowledge.
Topics: Athletes; Athletic Performance; Calcium, Dietary; Diet, Vegan; Dietary Fats; Dietary Proteins; Dietary Supplements; Energy Intake; Humans; Micronutrients; Nutrition Assessment; Nutrition Policy; Nutritional Requirements; Sports Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Vegans; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin D
PubMed: 28924423
DOI: 10.1186/s12970-017-0192-9 -
Advances in Nutrition (Bethesda, Md.) Jul 2023Accepting a continued rise in the prevalence of vegan-type diets in the general population is also likely to occur in athletic populations, it is of importance to assess... (Review)
Review
Accepting a continued rise in the prevalence of vegan-type diets in the general population is also likely to occur in athletic populations, it is of importance to assess the potential impact on athletic performance, adaptation, and recovery. Nutritional consideration for the athlete requires optimization of energy, macronutrient, and micronutrient intakes, and potentially the judicious selection of dietary supplements, all specified to meet the individual athlete's training and performance goals. The purpose of this review is to assess whether adopting a vegan diet is likely to impinge on such optimal nutrition and, where so, consider evidence based yet practical and pragmatic nutritional recommendations. Current evidence does not support that a vegan-type diet will enhance performance, adaptation, or recovery in athletes, but equally suggests that an athlete can follow a (more) vegan diet without detriment. A clear caveat, however, is that vegan diets consumed spontaneously may induce suboptimal intakes of key nutrients, most notably quantity and/or quality of dietary protein and specific micronutrients (eg, iron, calcium, vitamin B12, and vitamin D). As such, optimal vegan sports nutrition requires (more) careful consideration, evaluation, and planning. Individual/seasonal goals, training modalities, athlete type, and sensory/cultural/ethical preferences, among other factors, should all be considered when planning and adopting a vegan diet.
Topics: Humans; Diet, Vegan; Vegans; Dietary Supplements; Athletes; Nutritional Status; Diet
PubMed: 37127187
DOI: 10.1016/j.advnut.2023.04.012 -
JAMA Network Open Nov 2023Increasing evidence suggests that, compared with an omnivorous diet, a vegan diet confers potential cardiovascular benefits from improved diet quality (ie, higher... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
IMPORTANCE
Increasing evidence suggests that, compared with an omnivorous diet, a vegan diet confers potential cardiovascular benefits from improved diet quality (ie, higher consumption of vegetables, legumes, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and seeds).
OBJECTIVE
To compare the effects of a healthy vegan vs healthy omnivorous diet on cardiometabolic measures during an 8-week intervention.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS
This single-center, population-based randomized clinical trial of 22 pairs of twins (N = 44) randomized participants to a vegan or omnivorous diet (1 twin per diet). Participant enrollment began March 28, 2022, and continued through May 5, 2022. The date of final follow-up data collection was July 20, 2022. This 8-week, open-label, parallel, dietary randomized clinical trial compared the health impact of a vegan diet vs an omnivorous diet in identical twins. Primary analysis included all available data.
INTERVENTION
Twin pairs were randomized to follow a healthy vegan diet or a healthy omnivorous diet for 8 weeks. Diet-specific meals were provided via a meal delivery service from baseline through week 4, and from weeks 5 to 8 participants prepared their own diet-appropriate meals and snacks.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
The primary outcome was difference in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration from baseline to end point (week 8). Secondary outcome measures were changes in cardiometabolic factors (plasma lipids, glucose, and insulin levels and serum trimethylamine N-oxide level), plasma vitamin B12 level, and body weight. Exploratory measures were adherence to study diets, ease or difficulty in following the diets, participant energy levels, and sense of well-being.
RESULTS
A total of 22 pairs (N = 44) of twins (34 [77.3%] female; mean [SD] age, 39.6 [12.7] years; mean [SD] body mass index, 25.9 [4.7]) were enrolled in the study. After 8 weeks, compared with twins randomized to an omnivorous diet, the twins randomized to the vegan diet experienced significant mean (SD) decreases in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration (-13.9 [5.8] mg/dL; 95% CI, -25.3 to -2.4 mg/dL), fasting insulin level (-2.9 [1.3] μIU/mL; 95% CI, -5.3 to -0.4 μIU/mL), and body weight (-1.9 [0.7] kg; 95% CI, -3.3 to -0.6 kg).
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
In this randomized clinical trial of the cardiometabolic effects of omnivorous vs vegan diets in identical twins, the healthy vegan diet led to improved cardiometabolic outcomes compared with a healthy omnivorous diet. Clinicians can consider this dietary approach as a healthy alternative for their patients.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05297825.
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Male; Body Weight; Cardiovascular Diseases; Cholesterol, LDL; Diet, Vegan; Insulins; Twins, Monozygotic; Vegetables; Middle Aged; Diet, Healthy
PubMed: 38032644
DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.44457 -
Frontiers in Nutrition 2023Vegan diet has emerged as a popular dietary choice for people worldwide in recent times, due to concerns such as health issues, animal rights and welfare, and the... (Review)
Review
Vegan diet has emerged as a popular dietary choice for people worldwide in recent times, due to concerns such as health issues, animal rights and welfare, and the sustainability of the environment. The purpose of this literature review was to explain how a vegan diet may affect the health of adults and to point out beneficial components found in it as well as any difficulties associated with its implementation. Evidence supports that a vegan diet can reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and certain types of cancer. A well-planned vegan diet must include adequate calories and nutrients, as well as the necessary supplements, such as vitamin B12, vitamin D and EPA/DHA. Given the current growing interest in plant-based diets among the general population, it is crucial to understand both the barriers, risks, and benefits of the vegan diet among physicians, policy makers, and the general population.
PubMed: 38024367
DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1294497