Iron Status of Vegans, Vegetarians and Pescatarians in Norway.

Although plant-based diets provide well-established physical and environmental health benefits, omitting meat or meat products has also been associated with a risk of being deficient in specific nutrients, such as iron. As data on the iron status among Norwegian vegans, vegetarians and pescatarians are lacking, the present study aimed to assess iron status in these groups of healthy adults. Blood markers for iron status were measured in 191 participants (18-60 years old) comprising 106 vegans, 54 vegetarians and 31 pescatarians: serum-ferritin (S-Fe), serum-iron (S-Iron) and serum-total iron binding capacity (S-TIBC). Serum-transferrin-saturation (S-TSAT) was estimated (S-Iron/S-TIBC × 100). The median concentration of blood markers for iron status were within the normal range with no difference between the different dietary practices. In total, 9% reported iron supplement use the last 24 h. S-Fe concentrations below reference (<15 µg/L) were found in 8% of the participating women, of which one participant reported iron supplement use. In multiple regression analysis, duration of adherence to dietary practices and the female gender were found to be the strongest predictors for decreased S-Fe concentration. In conclusion, although the participants were eating a plant-based diet, the majority had sufficient iron status. Female vegans and vegetarians of reproductive age are at risk of low iron status and should have their iron status monitored.

Serum nutrients and habitual dietary intake in colectomized FAP patients in Norway.

BACKGROUND: Patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) are colectomized in young age in order to avoid development of colorectal cancer. Because colectomy radically changes gastrointestinal physiology, and food avoidance may be present, colectomized patients may be at risk for nutritional deficiency. AIM OF THE STUDY: to evaluate: (1) serum biochemical levels as compared to reference; (2) dietary intake as compared to the recommendations. METHODS: Blood samples, interviews and food frequency questionnaire were collected from 38 colectomized FAP patients with duodenal adenomas (mean age 40 years, range: 24-70). They were recruited from the Norwegian database on FAP. RESULTS: Serum albumin was significantly higher (P < or = 0.0001), and Mg (P = 0.02), ferritin (P < or = 0.001), and cholesterol (P = 0.03) significantly lower, than reference levels. Compared to recommendations, a low intake was seen for folate and fiber (<50%), iron, thiamin, riboflavin (< 25%), and omega-3 fatty acids (8%). Sugar intake exceeded the recommendation, mainly due to a high intake of soft drinks. Food avoidance was reported by 53%. CONCLUSIONS: We would suggest that the nutrient intake among FAP patients should at least meet the recommendations for healthy subjects. Their risk of metachronous cancers should also cause special attention to dietary factors that may prevent nutritional deficiency and carcinogenesis.