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Łuszczki E, Boakye F, Zielińska M, Dereń K, Bartosiewicz A, Oleksy Ł, Stolarczyk A. Vegan diet: nutritional components, implementation, and effects on adults' health. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1294497. [PMID: 38024367 PMCID: PMC10665534 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1294497] [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: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edyta Łuszczki
- Institute of Health Sciences, Medical College of Rzeszów University, Rzeszów, Poland
| | - Faustina Boakye
- Institute of Health Sciences, Medical College of Rzeszów University, Rzeszów, Poland
| | - Magdalena Zielińska
- Institute of Health Sciences, Medical College of Rzeszów University, Rzeszów, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Dereń
- Institute of Health Sciences, Medical College of Rzeszów University, Rzeszów, Poland
| | - Anna Bartosiewicz
- Institute of Health Sciences, Medical College of Rzeszów University, Rzeszów, Poland
| | - Łukasz Oleksy
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | - Artur Stolarczyk
- Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Department, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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Jakše B, Fras Z, Fidler Mis N. Vegan Diets for Children: A Narrative Review of Position Papers Published by Relevant Associations. Nutrients 2023; 15:4715. [PMID: 38004109 PMCID: PMC10675242 DOI: 10.3390/nu15224715] [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] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The scientific discourse on vegan diets for children and adolescents primarily involves referencing position statement papers from different scientific and professional organizations, including paediatric associations. Over the past two decades, specialized associations have issued official statements and published position papers about adopting well-designed vegan diets during crucial life stages, including pregnancy and lactation, infancy, and childhood. A subset of these associations firmly supports the notion that a well-designed vegan diet can indeed be healthy and support normal growth and development during particularly delicate life stages, emphasizing careful planning, vitamin B12 supplementation, and regular supervised medical and dietetics oversight. In contrast, specific paediatric associations caution against vegan diets for children and adolescents, citing potential harm and the lack of adequate substantiation. These criticisms in position papers frequently point to lower-quality studies and/or outdated studies. Additionally, concerns extend to comparing vegan and omnivorous diets, considering public health issues such as obesity and early stages of cardiovascular disease as well as the risk of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Notably, some scepticism stems from studies where children's adherence to a well-designed vegan diet is incomplete. Scientific rigor suggests performing a comparable assessment of omnivorous and vegan diets. This narrative review highlights the need for a comprehensive, up-to-date literature review to inform balanced perspectives on vegan diets for children and adolescents. Researchers and decision-makers should aim to actively improve the design and consistent implementation of both diet types.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zlatko Fras
- Division of Medicine, Centre for Preventive Cardiology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nataša Fidler Mis
- Ministry of Health, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Division of Paediatrics, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Jeitler M, Storz MA, Steckhan N, Matthiae D, Dressler J, Hanslian E, Koppold DA, Kandil FI, Michalsen A, Kessler CS. Knowledge, Attitudes and Application of Critical Nutrient Supplementation in Vegan Diets among Healthcare Professionals-Survey Results from a Medical Congress on Plant-Based Nutrition. Foods 2022; 11:foods11244033. [PMID: 36553782 PMCID: PMC9777782 DOI: 10.3390/foods11244033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Plant-based diets are associated with numerous health benefits but also bear risks of micronutrient deficiencies if inadequately planned. The risk of nutrient deficiencies can be reliably reduced by supplementation but requires risk-awareness. We distributed a paper-and-pencil questionnaire to n = 902 healthcare professionals attending a congress on plant-based nutrition (VegMed 2018, Berlin). On the day of the survey (21 April 2018), n = 475 questionnaires were returned and analyzed descriptively. Of the n = 213 strict vegan participants, 2% (n = 5) took no supplements at all. All supplementing vegans reported taking vitamin B12. Almost three-quarters of vegans (73%, n = 152) took vitamin D, and 22% (n = 45) reported taking omega-3 fatty acids. Iron was supplemented by 13% (n = 28), iodine by 12% (n = 25), calcium by 11% (n = 22), zinc by 7% (n = 14), magnesium by 5% (n = 11), and selenium by 4% (n = 9). For 11%, a supplement other than vitamin B12 was subjectively most important. Nearly 50% had their vitamin B12 levels laboratory tested at least once a year; nearly one-quarter reported testing every two years, and another one-quarter rarely or never. Participants following a vegan diet were better informed about institutional recommendations of the German Nutrition Society and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics for vegan diets than participants following vegetarian or omnivorous diets. Vegan nutrition in pregnancy/lactation period and childhood was considered most appropriate by vegans. Despite a high awareness of potential health risks associated with vitamin B12 deficiency on a strict vegan diet and a comprehensive understanding of the official dietary recommendations of nutrition societies, use of supplements and performance of regular laboratory tests were only moderate among vegan healthcare professionals. Considering the paramount importance of adequate supplementation of critical nutrients to avoid nutrient deficiencies, scientific and public discourse should be further facilitated. Further investigation of the supplementation behavior of vegan health professionals could be of particular interest, as a possible correlation with the quality of their own nutrition counseling is not inconceivable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Jeitler
- Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Department for Complementary and Integrative Medicine, Immanuel Hospital Berlin, 14109 Berlin, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Maximilian Andreas Storz
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Center for Complementary Medicine, Freiburg University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Nico Steckhan
- Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Digital Health Center, Hasso Plattner Institute, University of Potsdam, 14482 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Dorothea Matthiae
- Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Justina Dressler
- Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Etienne Hanslian
- Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Daniela A. Koppold
- Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Farid I. Kandil
- Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Michalsen
- Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Department for Complementary and Integrative Medicine, Immanuel Hospital Berlin, 14109 Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian S. Kessler
- Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Department for Complementary and Integrative Medicine, Immanuel Hospital Berlin, 14109 Berlin, Germany
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Jakše B, Godnov U, Pinter S. Nutritional Status of Slovene Adults in the Post-COVID-19 Epidemic Period. Eur J Investig Health Psychol Educ 2022; 12:1729-1742. [PMID: 36547023 PMCID: PMC9777729 DOI: 10.3390/ejihpe12120122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Monitoring nutritional status data in the adult population is extremely important to mediate their health status. Unfortunately, for Slovenia (2.1 million European Union citizens), data on the body composition status of the general adult population are currently rare or nonexistent in scientific journals. Furthermore, dietary intake was last assessed several years before the COVID-19 epidemic period. Methods: We randomly recruited 844 adult Slovenes from all regions of Slovenia. The primary aim of the cross-sectional study was to examine body composition status (using a medically approved electrical bioimpedance monitor) during the post-COVID-19 epidemic period. In addition, we assessed dietary intake (using a standardized food frequency questionnaire) and compared the obesity propensity for both sexes separately using the body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage (FAT%) obesity classification of the World Health Organization. Results: Regarding BMI classification, 43% of the whole sample was overweight (28%) or obese (15%), and there were more older adults than adults (64% vs. 42%, p < 0.001). The average FAT% of adult females and males was 26.9% and 19.5% (p < 0.001), respectively, while for older adult females and males, it was 32.7% and 23% (p < 0.001). In addition, a comparison of the proportions of obese people between the two cut-off obesity classifications (BMI vs. FAT%) showed a significantly underestimated proportion of obese female participants based on BMI classification (13% vs. 17%, p = 0.005). In terms of the dietary intake of the assessed nutrients in comparison with the national dietary reference values for energy and nutrient intake, the participants, on average, had lower intake than the recommended values for carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins C, D and E (for males) and calcium, and higher intake than the recommended values for total fat, saturated fatty acids, cholesterol, sodium and chloride (for males). Conclusions: The results urgently call for the need to not only improve the overall national nutritional status but also for regular national monitoring of body composition and dietary intake statuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boštjan Jakše
- Independent Researcher, 1230 Domžale, Slovenia
- Correspondence:
| | - Uroš Godnov
- Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies, University of Primorska, 6000 Koper, Slovenia
| | - Stanislav Pinter
- Basics of Movements in Sport, Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Koeder C, Perez-Cueto FJA. Vegan nutrition: a preliminary guide for health professionals. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2022; 64:670-707. [PMID: 35959711 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2022.2107997] [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: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Since the beginning of the 21st century, interest in vegan diets has been rapidly increasing in most countries. Misconceptions about vegan diets are widespread among the general population and health professionals. Vegan diets can be health-promoting and may offer certain important advantages compared to typical Western (and other mainstream) eating patterns. However, adequate dietary sources/supplements of nutrients of focus specific to vegan diets should be identified and communicated. Without supplements/fortified foods, severe vitamin B12 deficiency may occur. Other potential nutrients of focus are calcium, vitamin D, iodine, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, zinc, selenium, vitamin A, and protein. Ensuring adequate nutrient status is particularly important during pregnancy, lactation, infancy, and childhood. Health professionals are often expected to be able to provide advice on the topic of vegan nutrition, but a precise and practical vegan nutrition guide for health professionals is lacking. Consequently, it is important and urgent to provide such a set of dietary recommendations. It is the aim of this article to provide vegan nutrition guidelines, based on current evidence, which can easily be communicated to vegan patients/clients, with the goal of ensuring adequate nutrient status in vegans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Koeder
- Institute of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Leibniz University Hanover, Hanover, Germany
- Department of Nutrition, University of Applied Sciences Münster, Münster, Germany
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Plant-Based Dietary Patterns for Human and Planetary Health. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14081614. [PMID: 35458176 PMCID: PMC9024616 DOI: 10.3390/nu14081614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus pandemic has acted as a reset on global economies, providing us with the opportunity to build back greener and ensure global warming does not surpass 1.5 °C. It is time for developed nations to commit to red meat reduction targets and shift to plant-based dietary patterns. Transitioning to plant-based diets (PBDs) has the potential to reduce diet-related land use by 76%, diet-related greenhouse gas emissions by 49%, eutrophication by 49%, and green and blue water use by 21% and 14%, respectively, whilst garnering substantial health co-benefits. An extensive body of data from prospective cohort studies and controlled trials supports the implementation of PBDs for obesity and chronic disease prevention. The consumption of diets high in fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, fish, and unsaturated vegetable oils, and low in animal products, refined grains, and added sugars are associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality. Meat appreciation, health concerns, convenience, and expense are prominent barriers to PBDs. Strategic policy action is required to overcome these barriers and promote the implementation of healthy and sustainable PBDs.
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