Better Adequacy of Food Intake According to Dietary Recommendations of National Cholesterol Education Program in Vegetarian Compared to Omnivorous Men

Abstract Background The lower frequency of cardiovascular (CV) risk factors observed in vegetarians compared to omnivores may be due to more appropriate nutrient intake according to recommendations for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Objective To compare the dietary adequacy according to the recommendations of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) in apparently healthy vegetarian (VEG) and omnivorous (OMN) men. Methods This was a cross-sectional study, conducted with apparently healthy men (44 omnivorous and 44 vegetarians, ≥ 35 years), who were assessed for daily food consumption, anthropometric data, physical exercise status, and clinical data. Multiple logistic regression was used to test the association between the type of diet and the dietary adequacy. Significant values were considered for p<0.05. Results Several clinical CV risk markers were significantly lower in VEG when compared to OMN: body mass index (BMI) (23.1 vs. 27.3 kg/m2), systolic blood pressure (119.5 vs. 129.2 mmHg), and diastolic blood pressure (75.7 vs. 83.9 mmHg). VEG presented significant lower values of blood lipids and glucose. No significant difference was observed in caloric intake; however, VEG consumed significantly more carbohydrates, dietary fibers, and polyunsaturated fats. VEG presented an adequate consumption of dietary cholesterol and saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, regardless of caloric intake and age. Conclusion VEG were more likely to consume saturated fatty acids, dietary cholesterol, and fibers according to the recommendations of NCEP, factors that may contribute to lower levels of CV risk markers than OMN.

Plant-based diets and their impact on health, sustainability and the environment: a review of the evidence: WHO European Office for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases

In the WHO European Region, more and more people are shifting towards plant-based diets for reasons relating to health, as well as to ethical considerations about climate change and animal welfare. In some countries changes in dietary patterns are only just emerging, while in others this trend is increasing rapidly. Nevertheless, the evidence on the long-term health impacts of vegetarian and vegan diets remains incomplete. This fact sheet aims to review the current evidence and highlight knowledge gaps in this area.

Nutritional Status, Lifestyle and Lipid Profile in Vegetarians

Abstract Background: Vegetarian diets have been linked to reduced risk of chronic noncommunicable diseases, since they positively modulate biochemical parameters, particularly those related with glycemic control and lipemia, and considered as potential strategy for weight control. Objective: To compare the nutritional status, lifestyle and lipid profile of adult vegetarians with omnivores in a sample of individuals in the city of São Paulo. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Anthropometric, biochemical and lifestyle variables were compared between vegetarians and omnivores. A significance level of 5% was considered for all analyses. Results: Vegetarians were more likely to practice physical activity (64.3% vs 42.5%, p = 0.056) and consuming dietary supplements (48.1% vs 20.5%, p = 0.012). There was no statistically significant difference for the variables: age, sex, triglycerides, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein between the two groups. Vegetarians had significantly lower weight [60.8 kg (56.7 - 69.4) vs 71.1 kg (58.0 - 75.4), p = 0.038], BMI [22.4 kg/m2 (20.9 - 23.8) vs 24.6 kg/m2 (21.7 - 26.1), p = 0.001], and waist circumference [(81.8 ± 8.2 vs 87.8 ± 10.9 cm, p = 0.003)], and higher high-density lipoprotein (54.88 ± 14.44 vs 47.30 ± 12.27 mg /dL p = 0.008) than omnivores. Conclusion: Compared with omnivores, vegetarians had a better nutritional status, with lower BMI and waist circumference, significantly higher levels of plasma lipoprotein high-density, and healthier lifestyle.

La dieta vegetariana en niños y preadolescentes / Vegetarian diet in children and pre-adolescents

Basándonos en una consulta de una niña que desea realizar una dieta vegetariana se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica para identificar evidencia sobre el impacto de este tipo de dieta en la salud. La evidencia actual indica que la dieta vegetariana es una opción saludable que no produciría un impacto negativo en el crecimiento y desarrollo de los niños, si bien existiría la posibilidad de déficit de micronutrientes. (AU)

Based on a consultation of a girl who wishes to make a vegetarian diet, a literature search was conducted to identify evidence on the impact of this type of diet on health. Current evidence indicates that the vegetarian diet is a healthy option that would not have a negative impact on the growth and development of children, although there is a possibility of micronutrient deficits. (AU)

Relación entre la dieta vegetariana y el cáncer colorrectal en Lima, Perú / Relationship between a vegeterian diet and colorectal cancer in Lima, Perú

OBJETIVO: Determinar la relación que existe entre el consumo de la dieta vegetariana y el cáncer colorrectal en adultos de dos hospitales de Lima. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio analítico de casos y controles considerando exposición al tipo de dieta y efecto al cáncer colorrectal. Se incluyeron 142 casos y 143 controles. Los casos fueron adultos con cáncer colorrectal diagnosticados mediante biopsia y el control fue el adulto sin cáncer colorrectal, atendidos en el mismo período y hospital. Se aplicó una encuesta previamente revisada por expertos, se efectuó un estudio piloto para evaluar comprensión y se realizaron los ajustes pertinentes. Se calculó chi cuadrado, OR y regresión logística. RESULTADOS: La mediana de edad fue 62 años, predominantemente mujeres, la mayoría con nivel educativo secundario. El análisis bivariado mostró que el sexo (X2=13.01; valor p<0.01), el nivel educativo (X2=11.31; valor p=0.01) y el antecedente familiar de cáncer (X2=5.07; valor p=0.02) estuvieron asociados al cáncer colorrectal; mientras que el consumo de AINES (X2=0.009; valor p=0.924), tipo de dieta ((X2=0.60; valor p=0.44)) y la actividad física (X2=0.46; valor p=0.50) no tuvieron asociación significativa. La regresión logística demostró que la dieta vegetariana (OR=0.05; IC 95%: 0.01; 0.59) y la edad (OR=0.94; IC 95%: 0.89; 0.99) estuvieron asociadas al cáncer colorrectal. CONCLUSIONES: El consumo de la dieta vegetariana sería un factor protector del cáncer colorrectal en la población estudiada.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between the consumption of a vegetarian diet and colorectal cancer in adults at two hospitals in Lima. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Am analytic case-control study, considering exposition as type of diet and colorectal cancer as the effect, was conducted in Lima, including 142 cases and 143 controls. The cases were adults with colorectal cancer, diagnosed by biopsy, while the control group consisted of adults without colorectal cancer treated at the same hospital, at the same time. Participants responded an instrument that was previously reviewed through a pilot study to evaluate comprehension of the items, and then adjustments were made, with the support of experts. Chisquared was calculated in a bivariate analysis, and a logistic regression model was constructed. RESULTS: The median age was 62 years. The participants were predominantly women, and most had a high school education. The bivariate analysis showed that sex (X2 = 13.01; p value <0.01), educational level (X2 = 11.31; p-value = 0.01), and family history of cancer (X2 = 5.07; p-value = 0.02) were associated with Colorectal cancer; while consumption of NSAIDs (X2 = 0.009; p-value = 0.924), type of diet ((X2 = 0.60; p-value = 0.44)) and physical activity (X2= 0.46; p-value = 0.50) had no significant association. Logistic regression showed that the vegetarian diet was associated with colorectal cancer (OR = 0.05, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.59) and with age (OR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.89; 0.99). CONCLUSIONS: Vegetarian diet is a protective factor of colorectal cancer in the study population.

Patrón de dieta pro-vegetariana y mortalidad general / Pro-vegetarian dietary pattern and all-cause mortality

Vegetarian diets have been associated with a reduced mortality. Since a pure vegetarian diet might not be easily embraced by many individuals, consuming preferentially plant-based foods would be a more easily understood message. A pro-vegetarian food pattern (FP) emphasizing preference for plant-based foods might reduce all-cause mortality. In the PREDIMED cohort we followed 7,216 participants (57% women, mean age 67 years old) at high cardiovascular risk for a median of 4.8 years. Diet was assessed yearly through a validated 137-item semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire. Fruit, vegetables, nuts, cereals, legumes, olive oil and potatoes consumption were positively considered while animal fats, eggs, fish, dairy products and meat or meat products consumption were negatively considered. Energy-adjusted quintiles were used to assign points to build the Pro-vegetarian FP (range: 12 to 60 points). There were 323 deaths during follow-up (76 from cardiovascular disease, 130 from cancer, 117 for non-cancer, non-cardiovascular causes) and were confirmed by reviewing medical records and verification in the National Death Index. We observed that among omnivorous subjects at high cardiovascular risk, better conformity with a FP that emphasized plant-derived foods was associated with a reduced risk of all-cause mortality.

Las dietas vegetarianas se han asociado con una menor mortalidad. Dado que una dieta vegetariana pura no puede ser llevada a cabo fácilmente por la mayoría de personas, consumir alimentos preferentemente de origen vegetal sería un mensaje más moderado y asequible. Un patrón de dieta pro-vegetariana, con preferencia por los alimentos vegetales podría reducir la mortalidad total. En la cohorte PREDIMED seguimos a 7.216 participantes (57 % mujeres, edad media de 67 años) con alto riesgo cardiovascular durante una media de 4,8 años. Se valoró la dieta con un cuestionario de frecuencia de alimentos validado de 137 ítems que fue administrado al inicio del estudio y repetido anualmente. El consumo de frutas, verduras, frutos secos, cereales, legumbres, aceite de oliva y patatas se valoró positivamente y el consumo de grasas animales, huevos, pescado, lácteos y productos cárnicos se valoró negativamente. Se calcularon quintiles ajustados por energía (rango de 12 a 60 puntos). Hubo 323 muertes durante el seguimiento (76 por causas cardiovasculares y 130 por cáncer) confirmadas mediante la revisión de historias clínicas y por comprobación en el Índice Nacional de Defunciones. Se observó que entre individuos omnívoros con alto riesgo cardiovascular, el seguimiento de una dieta pro-vegetariana se asoció con un menor riesgo de mortalidad por cualquier causa.

Prevalência de hipertensão arterial em Adventistas do Sétimo Dia da capital e do interior paulista / Prevalence of arterial hypertension among Seventh-Day Adventists of the São Paulo state capital and inner area

FUNDAMENTO: Sabe-se que hábitos de vida inadequados favorecem a hipertensão, e os adventistas preconizam hábitos saudáveis. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a prevalência da hipertensão nos adventistas do sétimo dia na capital e no interior paulistas. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados 264 adventistas (41,17 ± 15,27 anos, 59,8% mulheres, com alto nível de religiosidade avaliada pela escala Duke-DUREL). A medida da pressão arterial foi realizada com aparelho automático validado. Nível de significância adotado foi p < 0,05. Resultados: A prevalência total de hipertensão foi 22,7%, (27,4% no interior e 15% na capital). Os adventistas da capital diferiram dos do interior (p < 0,05), respectivamente, quanto: escolaridade superior (62% vs 36,6%); ter vínculo empregatício (44%) vs autônomos (40,9%); renda familiar (8,39 ± 6,20 vs 4,59 ± 4,75 salários mínimos) e renda individual (4,54 ± 5,34 vs 6,35 ± 48 salários mínimos); casal responsável pela renda familiar (35% vs 39,6%); vegetarianismo (11% vs 3%); pressão arterial (115,38 ± 16,52/68,74 ± 8,94 vs 123,66 ± 19,62/74,88 ± 11,85 mmHg); etnia branca (65% vs 81,1%); casados (53% vs 68,9%); menor apoio social no domínio material (15,7 ± 5,41 vs 16,9 ± 4,32) e lembrar da última vez que mediu a pressão arterial (65% vs 48,8%). A análise multivariada associou hipertensão com: 1) vegetarianismo (OR 0,051, IC95% 0,004-0,681), 2) escolaridade (OR 5,317, IC95% 1,674-16,893), 3) lembrar quando mediu a pressão (OR 2,725, IC95% 1,275-5,821), 4) aposentado (OR 8,846, IC95% 1,406-55,668), 5) responsável pela renda familiar (OR 0,422, IC95% 0,189-0,942). CONCLUSÃO: A prevalência de hipertensão dos adventistas foi menor se comparada com estudos nacionais, sendo menor na capital em relação ao interior possivelmente por melhores condições socioeconômicas e hábitos de vida.

BACKGROUND: Inadequate life habits are known to favor hypertension, and Adventists recommend healthy life habits. OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of hypertension among Seventh-Day Adventists from the inner São Paulo state and São Paulo state capital. METHODS: This study assessed 264 Adventists (mean age, 41.17 ± 15.27 years; women, 59.8%) with a high religiosity level assessed by use of the Duke University Religion Index. Blood pressure was measured with a validated automatic device. The significance level adopted was p < 0.05. RESULTS: The total prevalence of hypertension was 22.7% (27.4% in the inner state and 15% in the capital). The Adventists from the capital differed from those of inner state as follows (p < 0.05), respectively: higher education (62% vs 36.6%); employed by a third party (44%) vs self-employed (40.9%); family income (8.39 ± 6.20 vs 4.59 ± 4.75 minimum wages); individual income (4.54 ± 5.34 vs 6.35 ± 48; couple responsible for family income (35% vs 39.6%); vegetarianism (11% vs 3%); blood pressure (115.38 ± 16.52/68.74 ± 8.94 vs 123.66 ± 19.62/74.88 ± 11.85 mmHg); white ethnicity (65% vs 81.1%); married (53% vs 68.9%); lower tangible support in the social aspect (15.7 ± 5.41 vs 16.9 ± 4.32); and recalling the last time one's blood pressure was measured (65% vs 48.8%). On multivariate analysis, hypertension associated with the following: 1) vegetarianism (OR 0.051; 95% CI: 0.004-0.681); 2) educational level (OR 5.317; 95% CI: 1.674-16.893); 3) recalling the last time one's blood pressure was measured (OR 2.725; 95% CI: 1.275-5.821); 4) being retired (OR 8.846; 95% CI: 1.406-55.668); and 5) being responsible for family income (OR 0.422; 95% CI: 0.189-0.942). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of hypertension among Adventists was lower as compared with that reported in Brazilian studies, and it was lower in the São Paulo state capital as compared with that in the inner São Paulo state, possibly because of the better socioeconomic conditions and life habits of the former.

Estado nutricional, estilo de vida e risco cardiovascular de ovolactovegetarianos e onívoros / Nutritional status, lifestyle and cardiovascular risk in lacto-ovo vegetarians and omnivores

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar características sócioeconômicas, estilo de vida, consumo alimentar, estado nutricional e o risco cardiovascular através de indicadores antropométricos de obesidade central de ovolactovegetarianos e onívoros. Para cada ovolactovegetariano foram selecionados dois onívoros de mesmo sexo e idade semelhante, visando ao pareamento das amostras nesses critérios e ao aumento do poder dos testes estatísticos. A amostra foi composta por 87 indivíduos, sendo 29 ovolactovegetarianos e 58 onívoros, com média geral de idade de 40 + 13 anos e 58,6% do sexo masculino. Dentro das características socioeconômicas, apenas o número de moradores por domicílio diferiu; os ovolactovegetarianos apresentaram um percentual maior na categoria de 5 ou mais pessoas. Quanto ao estilo de vida, os grupos diferiram apenas no hábito do tabagismo (p < 0,001), onde os onívoros apresentaram maior proporção de fumantes. Não houve diferença significativa nos valores médios entre os grupos em nenhuma das variáveis antropométricas estudadas. Nas variáveis de consumo, não foi encontrada diferença na ingestão calórica, porém o consumo de proteínas, lipídios totais, gordura saturada e colesterol foram maiores na dieta dos onívoros. Já o consumo de carboidratos e fibras foi maior nos ovolactovegetarianos. O presente estudo sugere que embora o perfil de consumo alimentar entre os ovolactovegetarianos seja considerado mais saudável, pelo menor consumo de gordura total, ácidos graxos saturados e colesterol, quando o estilo de vida e o consumo calórico total são semelhantes não há diferenças significativas no estado nutricional e nos indicadores antropométricos de risco cardiovascular.

The aim of the present study was to assess socioeconomic characteristics, dietary intake, nutritional status and cardiovascular risk (using anthropometric indicators of central obesity) in lacto-ovo vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Two non-vegetarians were selected for each vegetarian (paired for gender and age) in order to increase the power of the statistical tests. The sample was made up of 87 individuals (58.6% males; 29 vegetarians and 58 non-vegetarians) with a mean age of 40 + 13 years. Among the socioeconomic characteristics, only the number of residents per household differed between groups, with a greater percentage of homes with five or more residents in the vegetarian group. Concerning lifestyle, the groups differed with regard to smoking habits (p < 0.001), with a higher proportion of smokers among the non-vegetarians. There were no significant differences between groups in any of the anthropometric variables studied. Concerning dietary intake, no difference between groups was found with regard to total calorie intake, but the consumption of proteins, total lipids, saturated fat and cholesterol was higher among the non-vegetarians, whereas carbohydrate and fiber intake was higher among the vegetarians. The results of the present study suggest that, although a lacto-ovo vegetarian diet is considered healthier due to the lower consumption of total fat, saturated fatty acids and cholesterol, there are no significant differences in nutritional status or anthropometric indicators of cardiovascular risk when lifestyle and total calorie intake are similar.

Risco cardiovascular em vegetarianos e onívoros: um estudo comparativo / Cardiovascular risk in vegetarians and omnivores: a comparative study

FUNDAMENTO: Estudos clínicos e epidemiológicos demonstram grande associação da dieta com os agravos crônicos, particularmente com os eventos cardiovasculares, apesar de ainda não compreendidos todos os seus mecanismos de ação. OBJETIVO: Descrever e analisar o risco cardiovascular em vegetarianos e onívoros residentes na Grande Vitória/ES, na faixa etária de 35 a 64 anos. MÉTODOS: Para avaliação do risco cardiovascular foi realizado estudo de coorte histórico com 201 indivíduos. Foram incluídos 67 vegetarianos há no mínimo 5 anos, provenientes da Grande Vitória, e 134 onívoros, participantes do Projeto MONICA/Vitória, pareados por classe socioeconômica, sexo, idade e raça. Medidas bioquímicas e hemodinâmicas foram obtidas na Clínica de Investigação Cardiovascular da UFES. Para comparação de proporções, foi usado o teste chi2 e calculada a razão de prevalência. O risco cardiovascular foi calculado por meio do algoritmo de Framingham. RESULTADOS: A idade média do grupo foi de 47 ± 8 anos e o tempo médio de vegetarianismo 19 ± 10 anos, sendo a dieta ovolactovegetariana seguida por 73 por cento dos vegetarianos. Pressão arterial, glicemia de jejum, colesterol total, colesterol de lipoproteína de baixa densidade (LDL-colesterol) e triglicerídeos foram mais baixos entre vegetarianos (p<0,001). O colesterol de lipoproteína de alta densidade (HDL-colesterol) não foi diferente entre os grupos. De acordo com o algoritmo de Framingham, os vegetarianos apresentaram menor risco cardiovascular (p<0,001). CONCLUSÃO: A alimentação onívora desbalanceada, com excesso de proteínas e gorduras de origem animal, pode estar implicada, em grande parte, no desencadeamento de doenças e agravos não-transmissíveis, especialmente no risco cardiovascular.

BACKGROUND: Clinical and epidemiological studies have demonstrated a strong association between eating habits and chronic diseases, particularly cardiovascular events, although not all the mechanisms of action are understood. OBJECTIVE: To describe and analyze the cardiovascular risk (CVR) in vegetarians and omnivores residing in Greater Vitória, State of Espírito Santo, Brazil, in the age range from 35 to 64 years. METHODS: To evaluate CVR in the groups, a historical cohort study with 201 individuals was conducted. Sixty seven individuals who had been following a vegetarian diet for at least five years, and who were from Greater Vitória, as well as 134 omnivores participating in the MONICA Project/Vitória matched for socioeconomic class, gender, age and race were included. Biochemical and hemodynamic measurements were obtained in the Cardiovascular Investigation Clinic of UFES. For comparison of proportions, the chi2 test was used, and the Prevalence Ratio was calculated. The CVR was calculated using the Framingham algorithm for the group as a whole, and for separate genders. RESULTS: The mean age of the group was 47±8 years and the mean duration of vegetarianism was 19±10 years; the lacto-ovo vegetarian diet was followed by 73 percent of the vegetarians. Blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, LDL-c, and triglycerides were lower among vegetarians (p<0.001). HDL-c levels were not different between the groups. According to the Framingham algorithm, vegetarians had a lower CVR (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Unbalanced omnivorous diet with excess animal protein and fat may be implicated, to a great extent, in the development of noncommunicable diseases and conditions, especially in the CVR.