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Capodici A, Mocciaro G, Gori D, Landry MJ, Masini A, Sanmarchi F, Fiore M, Coa AA, Castagna G, Gardner CD, Guaraldi F. Cardiovascular health and cancer risk associated with plant based diets: An umbrella review. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0300711. [PMID: 38748667 PMCID: PMC11095673 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and cancer are the two main leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Suboptimal diet, poor in vegetables, fruits, legumes and whole grain, and rich in processed and red meat, refined grains, and added sugars, is a primary modifiable risk factor. Based on health, economic and ethical concerns, plant-based diets have progressively widespread worldwide. OBJECTIVE This umbrella review aims at assessing the impact of animal-free and animal-products-free diets (A/APFDs) on the risk factors associated with the development of cardiometabolic diseases, cancer and their related mortalities. DATA SOURCES PubMed and Scopus were searched for reviews, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses published from 1st January 2000 to 31st June 2023, written in English and involving human subjects of all ages. Primary studies and reviews/meta-analyses based on interventional trials which used A/APFDs as a therapy for people with metabolic diseases were excluded. DATA EXTRACTION The umbrella review approach was applied for data extraction and analysis. The revised AMSTAR-R 11-item tool was applied to assess the quality of reviews/meta-analyses. RESULTS Overall, vegetarian and vegan diets are significantly associated with better lipid profile, glycemic control, body weight/BMI, inflammation, and lower risk of ischemic heart disease and cancer. Vegetarian diet is also associated with lower mortality from CVDs. On the other hand, no difference in the risk of developing gestational diabetes and hypertension were reported in pregnant women following vegetarian diets. Study quality was average. A key limitation is represented by the high heterogeneity of the study population in terms of sample size, demography, geographical origin, dietary patterns, and other lifestyle confounders. CONCLUSIONS Plant-based diets appear beneficial in reducing cardiometabolic risk factors, as well as CVDs, cancer risk and mortality. However, caution should be paid before broadly suggesting the adoption of A/AFPDs since the strength-of-evidence of study results is significantly limited by the large study heterogeneity alongside the potential risks associated with potentially restrictive regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Capodici
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Science, Alma Mater Studiorum–University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Interdisciplinary Research Center for Health Science, Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies, Pisa, Tuscany, Italy
| | - Gabriele Mocciaro
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Davide Gori
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Science, Alma Mater Studiorum–University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Matthew J. Landry
- Stanford Prevention Research Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States of America
| | - Alice Masini
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Eastern Piedmont, (UNIUPO), Novara, Italy
| | - Francesco Sanmarchi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Science, Alma Mater Studiorum–University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Matteo Fiore
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Science, Alma Mater Studiorum–University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Angela Andrea Coa
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Science, Alma Mater Studiorum–University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Gisele Castagna
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Science, Alma Mater Studiorum–University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Christopher D. Gardner
- Stanford Prevention Research Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States of America
| | - Federica Guaraldi
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Programma Neurochirurgia Ipofisi—Pituitary Unit, Bologna, Italy
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Lombardo M, Feraco A, Camajani E, Gorini S, Strollo R, Armani A, Padua E, Caprio M. Effects of Different Nutritional Patterns and Physical Activity on Body Composition: A Gender and Age Group Comparative Study. Foods 2024; 13:529. [PMID: 38397506 PMCID: PMC10888428 DOI: 10.3390/foods13040529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
This cross-sectional study analyses differences in dietary habits, taste preferences, variety of protein sources and body composition (BC) profiles among individuals following omnivorous, flexitarian, lacto-ovo-vegetarian and pescatarian diets. Furthermore, it assesses the correlations between these dietary patterns and various sports, classified by exercise intensity, in relation to BC parameters. The study analysed the eating habits and BC data of 1342 participants aged 18-65 years, classified into four diet groups based on their 7-day food diaries and questionnaire responses. Our analysis revealed gender- and age-related differences in weekly food consumption and protein source variety, with men generally consuming more meat, processed meat and fish than women, especially in younger age groups. Differences in dairy and soy consumption were also noted between age groups, while legume and soy preferences showed no gender disparity across all ages. Among non-sporting individuals, vegetarians exhibited lower fat mass (FM%) compared to other diets, while among athletes, vegetarians and pescatarians in in endurance and strength sports, respectively, displayed lower FM%, with flexitarians and omnivores in endurance sports showing higher FM%. Non-athletic omnivores and vegetarians demonstrated a greater proportion of body protein, while among athletes, those engaged in strength training exhibited a higher body protein content across all dietary groups compared to those in endurance training. Among non-athletic groups, vegetarians exhibited the lowest FM/FFM (fat mass/fat-free mass) ratio, while among athletes, vegetarians in endurance sports and participants in strength training across other diets showed lower FM/FFM ratios. The results emphasise the complex interaction between diet, BC and lifestyle choices, revealing how different combinations of diet and sport are associated with optimised BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Lombardo
- Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Open University, Via di Val Cannuta, 247, 00166 Rome, Italy; (A.F.); (E.C.); (S.G.); (R.S.); (A.A.); (E.P.); (M.C.)
| | - Alessandra Feraco
- Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Open University, Via di Val Cannuta, 247, 00166 Rome, Italy; (A.F.); (E.C.); (S.G.); (R.S.); (A.A.); (E.P.); (M.C.)
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Endocrinology, San Raffaele Research Institute, IRCCS San Raffaele Roma, Via di Val Cannuta, 247, 00166 Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Camajani
- Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Open University, Via di Val Cannuta, 247, 00166 Rome, Italy; (A.F.); (E.C.); (S.G.); (R.S.); (A.A.); (E.P.); (M.C.)
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Endocrinology, San Raffaele Research Institute, IRCCS San Raffaele Roma, Via di Val Cannuta, 247, 00166 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Gorini
- Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Open University, Via di Val Cannuta, 247, 00166 Rome, Italy; (A.F.); (E.C.); (S.G.); (R.S.); (A.A.); (E.P.); (M.C.)
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Endocrinology, San Raffaele Research Institute, IRCCS San Raffaele Roma, Via di Val Cannuta, 247, 00166 Rome, Italy
| | - Rocky Strollo
- Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Open University, Via di Val Cannuta, 247, 00166 Rome, Italy; (A.F.); (E.C.); (S.G.); (R.S.); (A.A.); (E.P.); (M.C.)
| | - Andrea Armani
- Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Open University, Via di Val Cannuta, 247, 00166 Rome, Italy; (A.F.); (E.C.); (S.G.); (R.S.); (A.A.); (E.P.); (M.C.)
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Endocrinology, San Raffaele Research Institute, IRCCS San Raffaele Roma, Via di Val Cannuta, 247, 00166 Rome, Italy
| | - Elvira Padua
- Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Open University, Via di Val Cannuta, 247, 00166 Rome, Italy; (A.F.); (E.C.); (S.G.); (R.S.); (A.A.); (E.P.); (M.C.)
| | - Massimiliano Caprio
- Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Open University, Via di Val Cannuta, 247, 00166 Rome, Italy; (A.F.); (E.C.); (S.G.); (R.S.); (A.A.); (E.P.); (M.C.)
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Endocrinology, San Raffaele Research Institute, IRCCS San Raffaele Roma, Via di Val Cannuta, 247, 00166 Rome, Italy
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Saz-Lara A, Battino M, Del Saz Lara A, Cavero-Redondo I, Dávalos A, López de Las Hazas MC, Visioli F, Lucerón-Lucas-Torres M, Giampieri F. Differences in carotid to femoral pulse wave velocity and carotid intima media thickness between vegetarian and omnivorous diets in healthy subjects: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Food Funct 2024; 15:1135-1143. [PMID: 38230750 DOI: 10.1039/d3fo05061k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Background: Arterial stiffness and atherosclerosis are known risk factors for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Vegetarian diets have been associated with cardiovascular benefits, including improvements in metabolic parameters. However, the impact of a vegetarian diet on cardiovascular parameters, specifically arterial stiffness and atherosclerosis, in healthy individuals remains unclear. Thus, this study aims to analyze differences in arterial stiffness and atherosclerosis between vegetarian and omnivorous diets in healthy subjects. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following established guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for studies examining the association between vegetarian and omnivorous diets with arterial stiffness and atherosclerosis. Cross-sectional studies reporting carotid to femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWv) as a measure of arterial stiffness and carotid intima media thickness (c-IMT) as a measure of atherosclerosis were included. Data were synthesized using random effects models, and sensitivity analyses, meta-regressions, and assessment of publication bias were performed. Results: Ten studies were included in the systematic review, and seven studies were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled analysis demonstrated that individuals following a vegetarian diet had differences in the levels of arterial stiffness (cf-PWv) compared to those following an omnivorous diet (MD: -0.43 m s-1; 95% CI: -0.63, -0.23). Similarly, atherosclerosis (c-IMT) was found to be different in individuals adhering to a vegetarian dietary pattern (MD = -29.86 mm; 95% CI: -58.41, -1.32). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that a vegetarian diet is associated with improved arterial stiffness and reduced atherosclerosis in healthy individuals. These results support the inclusion of a well-balanced vegetarian dietary pattern in the prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases. However, further research is needed to explore the effects of a vegetarian diet on arterial health in diverse populations and to assess long-term cardiovascular outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Saz-Lara
- Health and Social Research Center, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Cuenca, Spain.
| | - Maurizio Battino
- International Joint Research Laboratory of Intelligent Agriculture and Agri-Products Processing, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche Specialistiche e Odontostomatologiche - Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Ranieri 65, Ancona, 60130, Italy
- Research Group on Foods, Nutritional Biochemistry and Health, Universidad Europea del Atlántico, Isabel Torres, 21, Santander, 39011, Spain
| | - Andrea Del Saz Lara
- Health and Social Research Center, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Cuenca, Spain.
- Laboratory of Epigenetics of Lipid Metabolism, Madrid Institute for Advanced Studies (IMDEA)-Food, CEI UAM + CSIC, 28049 Madrid, Spain
- Laboratory of Functional Foods, Madrid Institute for Advanced Studies (IMDEA)-Food, CEI UAM + CSIC, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Iván Cavero-Redondo
- Health and Social Research Center, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Cuenca, Spain.
- Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Talca, Chile
| | - Alberto Dávalos
- Laboratory of Epigenetics of Lipid Metabolism, Madrid Institute for Advanced Studies (IMDEA)-Food, CEI UAM + CSIC, 28049 Madrid, Spain
- Consorcio CIBER de la Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - María-Carmen López de Las Hazas
- Laboratory of Epigenetics of Lipid Metabolism, Madrid Institute for Advanced Studies (IMDEA)-Food, CEI UAM + CSIC, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francesco Visioli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova 35121, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Giampieri
- Research Group on Foods, Nutritional Biochemistry and Health, Universidad Europea del Atlántico, Isabel Torres, 21, Santander, 39011, Spain
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