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Dwaraka VB, Aronica L, Carreras-Gallo N, Robinson JL, Hennings T, Carter MM, Corley MJ, Lin A, Turner L, Smith R, Mendez TL, Went H, Ebel ER, Sonnenburg ED, Sonnenburg JL, Gardner CD. Unveiling the epigenetic impact of vegan vs. omnivorous diets on aging: insights from the Twins Nutrition Study (TwiNS). BMC Med 2024; 22:301. [PMID: 39069614 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-024-03513-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Geroscience focuses on interventions to mitigate molecular changes associated with aging. Lifestyle modifications, medications, and social factors influence the aging process, yet the complex molecular mechanisms require an in-depth exploration of the epigenetic landscape. The specific epigenetic clock and predictor effects of a vegan diet, compared to an omnivorous diet, remain underexplored despite potential impacts on aging-related outcomes. METHODS This study examined the impact of an entirely plant-based or healthy omnivorous diet over 8 weeks on blood DNA methylation in paired twins. Various measures of epigenetic age acceleration (PC GrimAge, PC PhenoAge, DunedinPACE) were assessed, along with system-specific effects (Inflammation, Heart, Hormone, Liver, and Metabolic). Methylation surrogates of clinical, metabolite, and protein markers were analyzed to observe diet-specific shifts. RESULTS Distinct responses were observed, with the vegan cohort exhibiting significant decreases in overall epigenetic age acceleration, aligning with anti-aging effects of plant-based diets. Diet-specific shifts were noted in the analysis of methylation surrogates, demonstrating the influence of diet on complex trait prediction through DNA methylation markers. An epigenome-wide analysis revealed differentially methylated loci specific to each diet, providing insights into the affected pathways. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that a short-term vegan diet is associated with epigenetic age benefits and reduced calorie intake. The use of epigenetic biomarker proxies (EBPs) highlights their potential for assessing dietary impacts and facilitating personalized nutrition strategies for healthy aging. Future research should explore the long-term effects of vegan diets on epigenetic health and overall well-being, considering the importance of proper nutrient supplementation. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT05297825.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varun B Dwaraka
- TruDiagnostic, Inc, 881 Corporate Dr, Lexington, KY, 40503, USA.
| | - Lucia Aronica
- Stanford Prevention Research Center, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, 3180 Porter Dr, Palo Alto, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | | | - Jennifer L Robinson
- Stanford Prevention Research Center, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, 3180 Porter Dr, Palo Alto, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Tayler Hennings
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, 98101, USA
| | - Matthew M Carter
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Michael J Corley
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Aaron Lin
- TruDiagnostic, Inc, 881 Corporate Dr, Lexington, KY, 40503, USA
| | - Logan Turner
- TruDiagnostic, Inc, 881 Corporate Dr, Lexington, KY, 40503, USA
| | - Ryan Smith
- TruDiagnostic, Inc, 881 Corporate Dr, Lexington, KY, 40503, USA
| | - Tavis L Mendez
- TruDiagnostic, Inc, 881 Corporate Dr, Lexington, KY, 40503, USA
| | - Hannah Went
- TruDiagnostic, Inc, 881 Corporate Dr, Lexington, KY, 40503, USA
| | - Emily R Ebel
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Erica D Sonnenburg
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Justin L Sonnenburg
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Center for Human Microbiome Studies, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Christopher D Gardner
- Stanford Prevention Research Center, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, 3180 Porter Dr, Palo Alto, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
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Kwok CYT, Poon YKP, Chook P, Guo DS, Lin CQ, Yin YH, Celermajer DS, Woo KS. A Potential Strategy for Atherosclerosis Prevention in Modernizing China - Hyperhomocysteinemia, MTHFR C677T Polymorphism and Air Pollution (PM2.5) on Atherogenesis in Chinese Adults. J Nutr Health Aging 2023; 27:134-141. [PMID: 36806868 DOI: 10.1007/s12603-023-1889-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atherosclerosis is one of the most important global health hazards and air pollution (AP, PM2.5) has been implicated. In addition to traditional risk factors hyperhomocysteinemia (HC) has been recognized in many parts of China related to risk of stroke. METHODS To evaluate the impact of HC (homocysteine >14μmol/l) and PM2.5 air pollution on atherogenesis in modernizing China, we studied 756 asymptomatic Chinese in China from 1998-2007. PM2.5 exposure, HC, folate, and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C/T genotype were evaluated. Brachial flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) were measured by ultrasound. Locations were categorized as zones 1, 2 and 3, with increasing PM2.5 exposure. RESULTS HC was higher (19.4±13.1 and 27.1±25.1μmol/l) in high PM2.5-polluted zones 2 and 3 than in zone 1 (9.7±4.5μmol/l, p<0.0015). The top HC tertile was characterized by lower folate and vitamin B12, but a higher proportion of the MTHFR TT genotype, Metabolic Syndrome (MS) and PM2.5 level (p=0.0018). FMD was significantly lower (7.3±2.3%) and carotid IMT thicker (0.63±0.12mm) in the top HC tertile, compared with low HC tertile (8.4±2.5%, p<0.0001; 0.57±0.1mm, p<0.0001 respectively). Similar differences in FMD and IMT were seen in zones 2 and 3, compared with zone 1 (p<0.0001). On multivariate regression, HC was related to male gender (beta=0.106, p=0.021), MTHFR-TT (beta=0.935, p<0.0001), locations (beta=0.230, p<0.0001) and folate-MTHFR interaction (beta=-0.566, p<0.0001). FMD was related to age (beta= -0.221; p<0.0001), male gender (beta= -0.194, p=0.001) PM2.5 and location (beta=-0.285 to -0.303, p<0.0001). Carotid IMT was related to PM2.5 (beta=0.173, p<0.0001), HC (0.122, p=0.006) but not to MTHFR or location, independent of age, gender, MS, and LDL-C. No significant HC-PM2.5 interaction effect on FMD and IMT was observed. CONCLUSION HC and PM2.5 pollution but not MTHFR genotype were both related to carotid IMT, independent of other traditional risk factors. This has potential implications in dietary and AP strategies for atherosclerosis prevention in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Y T Kwok
- Prof KS Woo, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Tsang Shiu Tim Building, United College, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin NT, Hong Kong, Phone: (852) 2647 4966, Fax: (852) 2647 4966, E-mail:
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Gonzalez MR, Zuelch ML, Smiljanec K, Mbakwe AU, Axler MR, Witman MA, Lennon SL. Arterial Stiffness and Endothelial Function are Comparable in Young Healthy Vegetarians and Omnivores. Nutr Res 2022; 105:163-172. [PMID: 36054948 DOI: 10.1016/j.nutres.2022.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Vegetarians (VEG) are reported to have lower body weight, blood pressure (BP), and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk compared with omnivores (OMN), yet the mechanisms remain unclear. A vegetarian diet may protect the vascular endothelium, reducing the risk of atherosclerosis and CVD. This cross-sectional study compared vascular function between OMN and VEG. We hypothesized that VEG would have greater vascular function compared with OMN. Fifty-eight normotensive young healthy adults participated (40 women [W]/18 men [M]; 28 OMN [15W/13M] and 30 VEG [25W/5M]; 26 ± 7 years; BP: 112 ± 11/67 ± 8 mm Hg). Arterial stiffness, assessed by carotid-to-femoral pulse wave velocity (OMN: 5.6 ± 0.8 m/s, VEG: 5.3 ± 0.8 m/s; P = .17) and wave reflection assessed by aortic augmentation index (OMN: 6.9 ± 12.3%, VEG: 8.8 ± 13.5%; P = .57) were not different between groups. However, central pulse pressure (OMN: 32 ± 5; VEG: 29 ± 5 mm Hg; P = .048) and forward wave reflection were greater in omnivores (OMN: 26 ± 3; VEG: 24 ± 3 mm Hg; P = .048). Endothelial-dependent dilation measured by brachial artery flow-mediated dilation was not different between groups (OMN: 6.0 ± 2.9%, VEG: 6.9 ± 3.3%; P = .29). Percent change in femoral blood flow from baseline during passive leg movement, another assessment of nitric oxide-mediated endothelial dilation, was similar between groups (OMN: 203 ± 88 mL/min, VEG: 253 ± 192 mL/min; P = .50). These data suggest that in healthy young adults, normotensive VEG do not have significantly improved vascular function compared with OMN; however, they have a lower central pulse pressure and forward wave amplitude which may lower the risk of future CVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Macarena Ramos Gonzalez
- Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19713, USA
| | - Michelle L Zuelch
- Department of Behavioral Health and Nutrition, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19713, USA
| | - Katarina Smiljanec
- Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19713, USA
| | - Alexis U Mbakwe
- Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19713, USA
| | - Michael R Axler
- Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19713, USA
| | - Melissa A Witman
- Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19713, USA
| | - Shannon L Lennon
- Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19713, USA.
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Marino M, Martini D, Ciappellano S, Brusamolino A, Gardana C, Battezzati A, Riso P, Porrini M, Bo CD. Cobalamin status is negatively correlated with vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin in vegetarian and vegan women with a vitamin B12 deficiency. Nutr Res 2022; 105:126-137. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nutres.2022.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Patti AM, Al-Rasadi K, Giglio RV, Nikolic D, Mannina C, Castellino G, Chianetta R, Banach M, Cicero AF, Lippi G, Montalto G, Rizzo M, Toth PP. Natural approaches in metabolic syndrome management. Arch Med Sci 2018; 14:422-441. [PMID: 29593818 PMCID: PMC5868676 DOI: 10.5114/aoms.2017.68717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2017] [Accepted: 03/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is characterized as a group of cardiometabolic risk factors that raise the risk for heart disease and other health problems, such as diabetes mellitus and stroke. Treatment strategies include pharmacologic interventions and supplementary (or "alternative") treatments. Nutraceuticals are derived from food sources (isolated nutrients, dietary supplements and herbal products) that are purported to provide health benefits, in addition to providing basic nutritional value. Nutraceuticals are claimed to prevent chronic diseases, improve health, delay the aging process, increase life expectancy, and support the structure and function of the body. The study of the beneficial effects of nutraceuticals in patients with MetS, including product standardization, duration of supplementation and definition of optimal dosing, could help better define appropriate treatment. This review focuses on widely marketed nutraceuticals (namely polyphenols, omega-3 fatty acids, macroelements and vitamins) with clinically demonstrated effects on more than one component of MetS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Maria Patti
- Biomedical Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Italy
- EuroMediterranean Institute of Science and Technology, Italy
| | - Khalid Al-Rasadi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | - Rosaria Vincenza Giglio
- Biomedical Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Italy
- EuroMediterranean Institute of Science and Technology, Italy
| | - Dragana Nikolic
- Biomedical Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Italy
- EuroMediterranean Institute of Science and Technology, Italy
| | - Carlo Mannina
- Biomedical Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppa Castellino
- Biomedical Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Italy
- EuroMediterranean Institute of Science and Technology, Italy
| | - Roberta Chianetta
- Biomedical Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Italy
- EuroMediterranean Institute of Science and Technology, Italy
| | - Maciej Banach
- Department of Hypertension, Chair of Nephrology and Hypertension, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Arrigo F.G. Cicero
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lippi
- Section of Clinical Biochemistry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Montalto
- Biomedical Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Italy
| | - Manfredi Rizzo
- Biomedical Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Italy
- EuroMediterranean Institute of Science and Technology, Italy
| | - Peter P. Toth
- CGH Medical Center, Sterling, Illinois; Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Wu MJ, Yang MC, Ran LQ, Wei SM, Zhou WL, Gou YS, Yu H. Analgesic therapy improves arterial endothelial function following non-cardiovascular surgery: A randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Exp Ther Med 2017; 14:4767-4772. [PMID: 29201178 PMCID: PMC5704335 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2017.5139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Pain subsequent to non-cardiac surgery may affect the endothelial function, which in turn contributes to myocardial injury (MI). The present study examined whether effective pain control is able to improve the postoperative endothelial function. Patients (n=160) undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomly assigned into two groups, treated with tramadol analgesic or saline (placebo) following surgery. On preoperative day 1 (baseline) and postoperatively at 2 h, 1 day and 5 days, pain was assessed on a visual analogue scale (VAS), and B-mode ultrasound was used to measure brachial endothelium-dependent flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and nitroglycerin-induced dilation. At 2 h postoperatively, the FMD in the two groups was significantly lower compared with that at the other three time points (P≤0.005), while VAS was significantly higher (P<0.05). Patients in the tramadol group presented significantly reduced VAS values in comparison with those in the placebo group at 2 h and 1 day postoperatively (P=0.013 and 0.031, respectively), as well as significantly higher FMD at 2 h (6.7±1.5 vs. 6.0±1.7%; P=0.001) and 1 day postoperatively (7.3±1.3 vs. 6.9±1.4%; P=0.03). A VAS score of <5 was independently associated with postoperative FMD of ≥7 (odds ratio, 2.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.0–6.0; P=0.047). Backward multivariate linear regression also demonstrated that FMD was independently correlated with age and VAS score (B=−1.403, P=0.011; B=−0.579, P=0.003). The response to nitroglycerin-induced dilation remained stable in all patients at baseline and at all postoperative time points. In conclusion, analgesic treatment may improve the arterial endothelial function following non-cardiac surgery, which may help prevent postoperative MI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Jun Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Chengdu Women and Children's Central Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Meng-Chang Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Long-Qing Ran
- Department of Anesthesiology, Chengdu Women and Children's Central Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Su-Mei Wei
- Department of Obstetrics, Chengdu Women and Children's Central Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Wen-Lai Zhou
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Dazhou Central Hospital, Dazhou, Sichuan 635000, P.R. China
| | - Yong-Sheng Gou
- Department of Orthopedics, Shuangliu First People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610200, P.R. China
| | - Hai Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
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Woo KS, Kwok TCY, Celermajer DS. Vegan diet, subnormal vitamin B-12 status and cardiovascular health. Nutrients 2014; 6:3259-73. [PMID: 25195560 PMCID: PMC4145307 DOI: 10.3390/nu6083259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2014] [Revised: 08/06/2014] [Accepted: 08/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Vegetarian diets have been associated with atherosclerosis protection, with healthier atherosclerosis risk profiles, as well as lower prevalence of, and mortality from, ischemic heart disease and stroke. However, there are few data concerning the possible cardiovascular effects of a vegan diet (with no meat, dairy or egg products). Vitamin B-12 deficiency is highly prevalent in vegetarians; this can be partially alleviated by taking dairy/egg products in lact-ovo-vegetarians. However, metabolic vitamin B-12 deficiency is highly prevalent in vegetarians in Australia, Germany, Italy and Austria, and in vegans (80%) in Hong Kong and India, where vegans rarely take vitamin B-12 fortified food or vitamin B-12 supplements. Similar deficiencies exist in northern Chinese rural communities consuming inadequate meat, egg or dairy products due to poverty or dietary habits. Vascular studies have demonstrated impaired arterial endothelial function and increased carotid intima-media thickness as atherosclerosis surrogates in such metabolic vitamin B-12 deficient populations, but not in lactovegetarians in China. Vitamin B-12 supplementation has a favourable impact on these vascular surrogates in Hong Kong vegans and in underprivileged communities in northern rural China. Regular monitoring of vitamin B-12 status is thus potentially beneficial for early detection and treatment of metabolic vitamin B-12 deficiency in vegans, and possibly for prevention of atherosclerosis-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kam S Woo
- Room 186, Science Centre South Block, Biochemistry Programme, School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin NT, Hong Kong.
| | - Timothy C Y Kwok
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
| | - David S Celermajer
- Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2050, Australia.
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Kwok T, Chook P, Qiao M, Tam L, Poon YKP, Ahuja AT, Woo J, Celermajer DS, Woo KS. Vitamin B-12 supplementation improves arterial function in vegetarians with subnormal vitamin B-12 status. J Nutr Health Aging 2012; 16:569-73. [PMID: 22659999 DOI: 10.1007/s12603-012-0036-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Vegetarians are more vascular-healthy but those with subnormal vitamin B-12 status have impaired arterial endothelial function and increased intima-media thickness. We aimed to study the impact of vitamin B-12 supplementation on these markers, in the vegetarians. DESIGN Double-blind, placebo controlled, randomised crossover study. SETTING Community dwelling vegetarians. PARTICIPANTS Fifty healthy vegetarians (vegetarian diet for at least 6 years) were recruited. INTERVENTION Vitamin B-12 (500 µg/day) or identical placebo were given for 12 weeks with 10 weeks of placebo-washout before crossover (n=43), and then open label vitamin B-12 for additional 24 weeks (n=41). MEASUREMENT Flow-mediated dilation of brachial artery (FMD) and intima-media thickness (IMT) of carotid artery were measured by ultrasound. RESULTS The mean age of the subjects was 45±9 years and 22 (44%) were male. Thirty-five subjects (70%) had serum B-12 levels <150 pmol/l. Vitamin B-12 supplementation significantly increased serum vitamin B-12 levels (p<0.0001) and lowered plasma homocysteine (p<0.05). After vitamin B-12 supplementation but not placebo, significant improvement of brachial FMD (6.3±1.8% to 6.9±1.9%; p<0.0001) and in carotid IMT (0.69±0.09 mm to 0.67±0.09 mm, p<0.05) were found, with further improvement in FMD (to 7.4±1.7%; p<0.0001) and IMT (to 0.65±0.09 mm; p<0.001) after 24 weeks open label vitamin B-12. There were no significant changes in blood pressures or lipid profiles. On multivariate analysis, changes in B-12 (β=0.25; p=0.02) but not homocysteine were related to changes in FMD, (R=0.32; F value=3.19; p=0.028). CONCLUSIONS Vitamin B-12 supplementation improved arterial function in vegetarians with subnormal vitamin B-12 levels, proposing a novel strategy for atherosclerosis prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Kwok
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Su TC, Torng PL, Jeng JS, Chen MF, Liau CS. Arterial function of carotid and brachial arteries in postmenopausal vegetarians. Vasc Health Risk Manag 2011; 7:517-23. [PMID: 21915169 PMCID: PMC3166191 DOI: 10.2147/vhrm.s18881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2011] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Vegetarianism is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. However, studies of arterial function in vegetarians are limited. Methods: This study investigated arterial function in vegetarianism by comparing 49 healthy postmenopausal vegetarians with 41 age-matched omnivores. The arterial function of the common carotid artery was assessed by carotid duplex, while the pulse dynamics method was used to measure brachial artery distensibility (BAD), compliance (BAC), and resistance (BAR). Fasting blood levels of glucose, lipids, lipoprotein (a), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, homocysteine, and vitamin B12 were also measured. Results: Vegetarians had significantly lower serum cholesterol, high-density and low-density lipoprotein, and glucose compared with omnivores. They also had lower vitamin B12 but higher homocysteine levels. Serum levels of lipoprotein (a) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein were no different between the two groups. There were no significant differences in carotid beta stiffness index, BAC, and BAD between the two groups even after adjustment for associated covariates. However, BAR was significantly lower in vegetarians than in omnivores. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that age and pulse pressure were two important determinants of carotid beta stiffness index and BAD. Vegetarianism is not associated with better arterial elasticity. Conclusion: Apparently healthy postmenopausal vegetarians are not significantly better in terms of carotid beta stiffness index, BAC, and BAD, but have significantly decreased BAR than omnivores. Prevention of vitamin B12 deficiency might be beneficial for cardiovascular health in vegetarians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ta-Chen Su
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Abstract
With increasing life expectancy in developed and developing countries, maintaining health and function in old age has become an important goal, including avoidance or optimal control of chronic diseases; maintenance or retarding the decline of physical and cognitive function; optimizing psychological health; and maintaining independent functioning in tasks related to self-care and societal interaction. This article discusses all of those, as well as other components of successful aging such as social network and socioeconomic status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Woo
- Department of Medicine & Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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11
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The comparison of the metabolic syndrome between Chinese vegetarians and omnivores. Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research & Reviews 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.dsx.2008.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Ströhle A, Waldmann A, Wolters M, Hahn A. [Vegetarian nutrition: Preventive potential and possible risks. Part 1: Plant foods]. Wien Klin Wochenschr 2007; 118:580-93. [PMID: 17136332 DOI: 10.1007/s00508-006-0706-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2006] [Accepted: 07/31/2006] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Today vegetarian nutrition is more accepted and widespread in Europe than in former years. For a long time scientific research on vegetarian diets has focused mostly on malnutrition, whereas nowadays research centers increasingly on the preventive potential of plant-based diets. We followed a nutritive and a metabolic-epidemiological approach to obtain dietary recommendations. A MEDLINE research was performed for all plant food groups relevant for a vegetarian diet (key words: all relevant food groups, "vegetarian diet", "chronic disease", "cancer", "cardiovascular disease", "diabetes mellitus", "osteoporosis"). All relevant food groups were characterized regarding their nutrient content and rated with respect to the available metabolic-epidemiological evidence. Based on the evidence criteria of the WHO/FAO, cancer risk reduction by a high intake of vegetables and fruits is assessed as probable or possible, while a lowered risk of cardiovascular disease is convincing and a lowered risk of osteoporosis is probable. The evidence of a risk reducing effect of whole grain relating to colorectal cancer is assessed as possible, whereas it is probable relating to cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus type 2. There is an insufficient risk-reducing effect of legumes like soja relating to epithelial tumours and cardiovascular disease. The evidence of a risk-reducing effect of nuts to cardiovascular disease is assessed as probable, and in relation to cholelithiasis and diabetes mellitus type 2 as possible and insufficient, respectively. In conclusion, high consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and nuts can lower the risk for several chronic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Ströhle
- Abteilung Ernährungsphysiologie und Humanernährung, Institut für Lebensmittelwissenschaft, Leibniz Universität Hannover, Hannover, Germany
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