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Herter J, Stübing F, Lüth V, Zimmermann J, Lederer AK, Hannibal L, Huber R, Storz MA. Bowel health, defecation patterns and nutrient intake following adoption of a vegan diet: a randomized-controlled trial. Ann Med 2024; 56:2305693. [PMID: 38327148 PMCID: PMC10854443 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2024.2305693] [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: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The beneficial effects of a plant-based diet on gut microbiota diversity are well documented, however, its impact on clinical bowel health and defecation patterns are less well understood. Vegetarian diets have been associated with a higher bowel movement (BM) frequency as well as softer stools in cross-sectional studies. The effects of the de-novo adoption of a vegan diet on bowel health, however, have never been investigated in a randomized-controlled trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS The present study examined bowel health and defecation patterns in relation to diet and nutrient intake in a young and healthy sample of n = 65 physically-active German university students who were randomly assigned to either a vegan or a meat-rich diet for eight weeks. Bowel health assessment included the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS), the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) and the Cleveland Clinic Fecal Incontinence Score (CCFIS). Nutrient intake was assessed using weighed food diaries. The study was prospectively registered at the German Clinical Trial Register (DRKS00031541). RESULTS Weekly BM frequency slightly increased in vegans, whereas it remained unaltered in participants assigned to a meat-rich diet. Fiber intake increased significantly in vegans (34.89 (18.46) g/d) whereas it decreased in those assigned to the meat-rich group (22.79 (12.5) g/d). No significant intergroup differences in BSFS and CCFIS patterns were observed. Adoption of a vegan diet neither resulted in a transient increase in abdominal discomfort nor in a decreased gastrointestinal quality of life, which was comparable across the diet groups. CONCLUSIONS The short-term de-novo adoption of a vegan diet did not negatively affect markers of bowel health in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Herter
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Centre for Complementary Medicine, Freiburg University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Frieda Stübing
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Centre for Complementary Medicine, Freiburg University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Volker Lüth
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Centre for Complementary Medicine, Freiburg University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Julia Zimmermann
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Centre for Complementary Medicine, Freiburg University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ann-Kathrin Lederer
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Centre for Complementary Medicine, Freiburg University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Luciana Hannibal
- Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry and Metabolism, Department of General Pediatrics, Adolescent Medicine and Neonatology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Roman Huber
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Centre for Complementary Medicine, Freiburg University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Maximilian Andreas Storz
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Centre for Complementary Medicine, Freiburg University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Storz MA, Huber R, Hannibal L. Impact of vitamin B12 supplement intake cessation on vitamin B12 status in a healthy vegan: A close interval monitoring case study. Nutrition 2024; 125:112498. [PMID: 38833779 DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2024.112498] [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: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Healthy plant-based diets, such as the lacto-ovo-vegetarian and the vegan diet, offer numerous benefits to human health. Poorly designed plant-based diets, however, bear the risk for vitamin- and micronutrient deficiencies. Vitamin B12 (B12, cobalamin) is a nutrient of particular concern in both diets, and should be readily supplemented on a continuous basis to ensure adequate B12 levels and to prevent deficiencies. CASE REPORT This case reports describes the history of a healthy man in his mid-30s who adopted a vegan diet approximately 10 y ago. Well informed about the risks of vitamin B12 deficiency on a plant-based diet, he regularly supplemented methylcobalamin for years (single oral dose: 500 µg, 3-4 times a week) in order to maintain an adequate vitamin B12 status. In late 2023, however, he decided to cease B12 supplementation for undisclosed reasons. Subsequent to this decision, we closely monitored his B12 status and longitudinally measured serum B12, homocysteine, and holotranscobalamin (holo-TC). Total serum folate was also determined as it is a modifier of homocysteine concentration. A gradual decrease in holo-TC and vitamin B12 levels was observed after 4 weeks and supplements had to be re-introduced after 16 weeks. Homocysteine increased concomitantly up to 18.2 μmol/L after 20 weeks. CONCLUSIONS While a short-term B12 supplement intake cessation might be well tolerated by vegans with an adequate B12 status, an interruption of more than 8 weeks could signify B12 loss approaching suboptimal status. This case report reiterates the need for continuous B12 supplementation in persons following an unfortified plant-based diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Andreas Storz
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Centre for Complementary Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Roman Huber
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Centre for Complementary Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Luciana Hannibal
- Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry and Metabolism, Department of General Pediatrics, Adolescent Medicine and Neonatology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Ronto R, Alves Lopes CV, Bogueva D, Davis B, Bhatti AJ, Navarrete P, Chau JY. Exploring Australian News Media Portrayals of Sustainable and Plant-Based Diets. Nutrients 2024; 16:996. [PMID: 38613028 PMCID: PMC11013140 DOI: 10.3390/nu16070996] [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: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Dietary behaviour transformation is imperative for the attainment of more sustainable food systems, including an increased intake of plant-based foods and lower consumption of red meat and highly processed foods. The influence of news media coverage on public opinion regarding dietary behaviours is significant. Therefore, this study aimed to explore how sustainable/plant-based diets have been portrayed in Australian news media. (2) Methods: The Factiva global news database was used to search news articles published in Australia between 2018 and 2020. Relevant news articles were selected if they included keywords relating to sustainable diets, plant-based diets, and meat alternatives. We used a coding protocol to extract key information, such as date of publication, article topic, and any health, environmental and economic impacts. Then, we performed a framing and thematic analysis of the data. (3) Results: From 357 included articles, more than half of the articles encouraged increasing the intake of plant-based foods (53.5%) and reducing animal-derived food intake (55.2%). Several reasons for such shift from animal protein centric Australian diets were identified throughout the articles such as health benefits (15.4%), environmental impacts (11.2%), animal welfare (4.8%), seasonality and local food intake (5.3%), avoiding overconsumption (4.5%) and food wastage (4.5%). (4) Conclusions: The predominant frame in Australian news coverage about sustainable diets has been about consumption, more plant- and less animal-based products, with little nuance about the complex interplay of diet quality and environment in influencing food choices. Australian news media should broaden its coverage of sustainable diets to include health, environmental, and economic factors to improve public understanding and facilitate informed and sustainable food choices. Further research is needed to enhance comprehension of how the audience perceives media coverage on this topic, which will provide a more thorough understanding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rimante Ronto
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Carla Vanessa Alves Lopes
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Diana Bogueva
- Curtin University Sustainability Policy Institute (CUSP), Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Barbara Davis
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Alexandra J. Bhatti
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Priscilla Navarrete
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Josephine Y. Chau
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW 2109, Australia
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Ruxton CHS, Gordon S. Animal board invited review: The contribution of red meat to adult nutrition and health beyond protein. Animal 2024; 18:101103. [PMID: 38442540 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2024.101103] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Red meat has been a critical part of human diets for millennia, providing a source of high-quality protein, micronutrients and essential fatty acids. However, as societies evolved and industrialisation reshaped our food systems, there has been a noticeable shift in meat-eating trends driven by concerns about the environmental impact of meat production and its potential risk to health. Yet, despite falling out of favour with some dietary experts and influencers, meat has an important role in a healthy diet and most adults still consume it. This article explores the nutritional value of red meat, authorised nutrition and health claims, how red meat fits into diet, providing the example of the United Kingdom (UK), and the health benefits and risks associated with both eating and avoiding red meat. Benefits of red meat include nutrient density and bioavailability while risks include colorectal cancer at high intakes of processed meats, based on observational studies. Benefits of meat-free diets include a lower risk of chronic diseases, based on observational studies, while risks include nutrient inadequacy, higher bone fracture risk and low protein quality. Hence, a wholesale shift to plant-based diets may not benefit adults who are vulnerable to sub-optimal nutrient intakes, such as women of child-bearing age and the elderly. More evidence from randomised controlled trials is recommended to fully understand the benefits and risks of both meat-containing and meat-free diets.
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Affiliation(s)
- C H S Ruxton
- Nutrition Communications, Cupar KY15 4HQ, United Kingdom.
| | - S Gordon
- NICHE, Ulster University, Coleraine BT52 1SA, United Kingdom
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Stokes SD, Lewis CC, Mayberry TG, Wakefield MR, Fang Y. A holistic approach to prostate cancer treatment: natural products as enhancers to a medically minded approach. Med Oncol 2023; 40:343. [PMID: 37906337 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-02209-0] [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: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PC) has historically been the most diagnosed cancer in men. Though treatment for prostate cancer is often effective, it is also often very taxing on the body and commonly has negative quality of life implications. One such example is androgen suppression therapy (AST), which has severe side effects that can be mitigated through physical activity. Natural agents and protocols are increasingly studied for their merit against cancer and for their potential to treat cancer in ways that preserve the quality of life. Many agents and lifestyle choices have been shown to have success against prostate cancer. There is promising evidence that simple treatments such as green tea, pomegranate, and a regular exercise routine can be effective against prostate cancer. These treatments have the potential to enhance current treatment protocols. In this review, we will discuss the viability of many natural agents as treatments for prostate cancer and its complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney D Stokes
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Pathology, Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Des Moines, IA, 50312, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA
| | - Cade C Lewis
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Pathology, Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Des Moines, IA, 50312, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA
| | - Trenton G Mayberry
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Pathology, Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Des Moines, IA, 50312, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA
| | - Mark R Wakefield
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA
- Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA
| | - Yujiang Fang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Pathology, Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Des Moines, IA, 50312, USA.
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA.
- Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA.
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Storz MA, Müller A, Niederreiter L, Zimmermann-Klemd AM, Suarez-Alvarez M, Kowarschik S, Strittmatter M, Schlachter E, Pasluosta C, Huber R, Hannibal L. A cross-sectional study of nutritional status in healthy, young, physically-active German omnivores, vegetarians and vegans reveals adequate vitamin B 12 status in supplemented vegans. Ann Med 2023; 55:2269969. [PMID: 37851870 PMCID: PMC10586079 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2023.2269969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE Plant-based diets reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease but also increase the risk of certain micronutrient deficiencies, particularly, of vitamin B12 (B12). The extent to which the unsupervised use of oral nutrient supplements is sufficient to prevent these deficiencies is not well established. We analyzed nutrient intake, laboratory biomarkers, supplementation behavior, and B12 status adequacy amongst young, healthy, physically active omnivores, lacto-ovo-vegetarians and vegans from Germany. METHODS We recruited 115 participants (n = 40 omnivores; n = 37 lacto-ovo-vegetarians, and n = 38 vegans) with comparable age, sex, marital status, physical activity and educational levels through online advertisements and local newspapers in Freiburg, Germany. RESULTS Energy intake and macronutrient distribution were comparable across diets. Major differences included intake of fiber, cholesterol, and several vitamins. Vegans had the lowest intake of B12 from foods (0.43 (0.58) µg/d), compared to omnivores (2.14 (2.29) µg/d) and lacto-ovo-vegetarians (0.98 (1.34) µg/day). Multivariate analysis of 36 blood biomarkers revealed that three major classes of biomarkers contributed the most to the clustering of individuals by dietary group, namely, biomarkers of B12 status (B12, holoTC, Hcy), iron (iron, ferritin, transferrin) and lipid metabolism (vitamin A, HDL, LDL, total cholesterol, TAG). This suggests that nutrients that modify the metabolic pathways represented by these biomarkers have the most penetrating effect on health status across diets. Analysis of B12 status (including 4cB12) revealed adequacy in omnivores and vegans, and a poorer B12 status amongst lacto-ovo-vegetarians. Fewer lacto-ovo-vegetarians used B12 supplements compared to vegans (51% versus 90%). CONCLUSIONS Even amongst homogeneously healthy Germans, each diet manifested with measurable differences in dietary intakes and biomarkers of health. Plant-based diets, in particular the vegan diet, exhibited the most favorable patterns of lipid metabolism and glycemic control, but the lowest food intake of B12. Supplementation of healthy vegans with B12 (median 250 µg B12/day, over 2 years) secured an adequate B12 status that was comparable to that of healthy omnivores.Clinical Trial Registry: German Clinical Trial register number: DRKS00027425.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Andreas Storz
- Center for Complementary Medicine, Department of Medicine II, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Alexander Müller
- Center for Complementary Medicine, Department of Medicine II, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Lisa Niederreiter
- Center for Complementary Medicine, Department of Medicine II, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Amy M. Zimmermann-Klemd
- Center for Complementary Medicine, Department of Medicine II, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Translational Complementary Medicine, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Martin Suarez-Alvarez
- Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center, Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry and Metabolism, Department of General Pediatrics, Adolescent Medicine and Neonatology, University of Freiburg, , Freiburg, Germany
| | - Stefanie Kowarschik
- Center for Complementary Medicine, Department of Medicine II, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Monique Strittmatter
- Center for Complementary Medicine, Department of Medicine II, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Evelyn Schlachter
- Center for Complementary Medicine, Department of Medicine II, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Cristian Pasluosta
- Laboratory for Biomedical Microtechnology, Department of Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Roman Huber
- Center for Complementary Medicine, Department of Medicine II, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Luciana Hannibal
- Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center, Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry and Metabolism, Department of General Pediatrics, Adolescent Medicine and Neonatology, University of Freiburg, , Freiburg, Germany
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Capra ME, Monopoli D, Decarolis NM, Giudice A, Stanyevic B, Esposito S, Biasucci G. Dietary Models and Cardiovascular Risk Prevention in Pediatric Patients. Nutrients 2023; 15:3664. [PMID: 37630854 PMCID: PMC10458109 DOI: 10.3390/nu15163664] [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: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Nutritional intervention is worldwide recognized as a first step treatment for subjects with increased cardiovascular risk and it is of utmost importance especially for children and adolescents. Currently scientific evidence supports the role of dietary patterns instead of simple single nutrients or foods in cardiovascular risk prevention. Indeed, the American Heart Association dietary guidelines have expanded beyond nutrients to dietary pattern, that comprise not only single food items but also behavioral or cultural habits of specific populations. The aim of our narrative review is to analyze the most frequently adopted dietary patterns in children and adolescents and to evaluate their effect on cardiovascular risk factors and in cardiovascular risk prevention. Literature review showed that children cannot be considered as little adults: nutritional intervention must always grant adequate growth and neurodevelopment before reaching the proposed goals, therefore dietary patterns considered heart-healthy for adult subjects might not be suitable for pediatric patients. Mediterranean diet, DASH diet, Nordic diet and some plant-based diets seem to be the most promising dietary patterns in terms of cardiovascular health in the developmental age, even if further studies are needed to better standardize and analyze their effect on growing up individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Elena Capra
- Pediatrics and Neonatology Unit, Guglielmo da Saliceto Hospital, 29121 Piacenza, Italy; (M.E.C.); (G.B.)
- Società Italiana di Nutrizione Pediatrica, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Delia Monopoli
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University Hospital of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (D.M.); (N.M.D.); (A.G.); (B.S.)
| | - Nicola Mattia Decarolis
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University Hospital of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (D.M.); (N.M.D.); (A.G.); (B.S.)
| | - Antonella Giudice
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University Hospital of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (D.M.); (N.M.D.); (A.G.); (B.S.)
| | - Brigida Stanyevic
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University Hospital of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (D.M.); (N.M.D.); (A.G.); (B.S.)
| | - Susanna Esposito
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University Hospital of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (D.M.); (N.M.D.); (A.G.); (B.S.)
| | - Giacomo Biasucci
- Pediatrics and Neonatology Unit, Guglielmo da Saliceto Hospital, 29121 Piacenza, Italy; (M.E.C.); (G.B.)
- Società Italiana di Nutrizione Pediatrica, 20126 Milan, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
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Storz MA, Brommer M, Lombardo M, Rizzo G. Soy Milk Consumption in the United States of America: An NHANES Data Report. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15112532. [PMID: 37299495 DOI: 10.3390/nu15112532] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
With the increasing adoption of plant-based diets in the United States, more and more individuals replace cow milk with plant-based milk alternatives. Soy milk is a commonly used cow milk substitute, which is characterized by a higher content of polyunsaturated fatty acids and fibers. Despite these favorable characteristics, little is known about the current prevalence of soy milk consumption the United States. We used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) to assess soy milk usage in the United States and identified potential predictors for its consumption in the US general population. The proportion of individuals reporting soy milk consumption in the NHANES 2015-2016 cycle was 2%, and 1.54% in the NHANES 2017-2020 cycle. Non-Hispanic Asian and Black ethnicities (as well as other Hispanic and Mexican American ethnicities in the 2017-2020 cycle) significantly increased the odds for soy milk consumption. While a college degree and weekly moderate physical activity were associated with significantly higher odds for consuming soy milk (OR: 2.21 and 2.36, respectively), sex was not an important predictor. In light of the putative health benefits of soy milk and its more favorable environmental impact as compared to cow milk, future investigations should attempt to identify strategies that may help promote its consumption in selected populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Andreas Storz
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Centre for Complementary Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Maria Brommer
- Interdisciplinary Medical Intensive Care (IMIT), Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Mauro Lombardo
- Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Roma Open University, 00166 Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Rizzo
- Independent Researcher, Via Venezuela 66, 98121 Messina, Italy
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Pruteanu LL, Bailey DS, Grădinaru AC, Jäntschi L. The Biochemistry and Effectiveness of Antioxidants in Food, Fruits, and Marine Algae. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12040860. [PMID: 37107235 PMCID: PMC10135154 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12040860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
It is more effective to maintain good health than to regain it after losing it. This work focuses on the biochemical defense mechanisms against free radicals and their role in building and maintaining antioxidant shields, aiming to show how to balance, as much as possible, the situations in which we are exposed to free radicals. To achieve this aim, foods, fruits, and marine algae with a high antioxidant content should constitute the basis of nutritional elements, since natural products are known to have significantly greater assimilation efficiency. This review also gives the perspective in which the use of antioxidants can extend the life of food products, by protecting them from damage caused by oxidation as well as their use as food additives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lavinia Lorena Pruteanu
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, North University Center at Baia Mare, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, 430122 Baia Mare, Romania
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400337 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - David Stanley Bailey
- IOTA Pharmaceuticals Ltd., St Johns Innovation Centre, Cowley Road, Cambridge CB4 0WS, UK
| | - Andrei Cristian Grădinaru
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, “Ion Ionescu de la Brad” University of Life Sciences of Iaşi, 700490 Iaşi, Romania
| | - Lorentz Jäntschi
- Institute of Doctoral Studies, Babeş-Bolyai University, 400084 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, 400114 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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