Totally Vegetarian Diets and Infant Nutrition

Observations on the deleterious effects of a totally vegetarian diet in infancy are reported and the difficulties encountered in the prevention of nutritional deficiencies in a vegan religious community are discussed. Twenty-five infants of this community who were seen at the hospital showed evidence of protein-calorie malnutrition, iron- and vitamin B12-deficient anemia, rickets, zinc deficiency, and multiple recurrent infections. Evidence of growth retardation was also found in 47 infants seen at the local mother-child health (well-baby) clinic. Samples of breast milk showed low levels of carbohydrate (1.6 to 3.5 gm/100 ml), protein (0.8 to 1.4 gm/100 ml), and fat (2.4 to 4.1 gm/100 ml). The main constituent of the infants' diet after the age of 3 months ( a "soya milk" prepared at the community's central kitchen) was extremely dilute with a very low calorific value (13.7 kcal/100 ml). Persistent attempts to find dietary modifications that would satisfy both the vegan philosophy and also the recommended dietary allowances failed. This problem represents a scientific and medicosocial challenge to pediatricians and nutritionists.

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Health Implications of a Vegetarian Diet

American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine ◽

10.1177/1559827611425762 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 6 (3) ◽

pp. 250-267 ◽

Cited By ~ 21

Author(s):

Kate Marsh ◽

Carol Zeuschner ◽

Angela Saunders

Keyword(s):

Health Benefits ◽

Saturated Fat ◽

Vegetarian Diet ◽

Whole Grains ◽

Vegan Diet ◽

Eating Pattern ◽

Nutritional Needs ◽

Vegetarian Diets ◽

Treatment Of Obesity ◽

Chronic Health Problems

There is now a significant amount of research that demonstrates the health benefits of vegetarian and plant-based diets, which have been associated with a reduced risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and some types of cancer as well as increased longevity. Vegetarian diets are typically lower in fat, particularly saturated fat, and higher in dietary fiber. They are also likely to include more whole grains, legumes, nuts, and soy protein, and together with the absence of red meat, this type of eating plan may provide many benefits for the prevention and treatment of obesity and chronic health problems, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Although a well-planned vegetarian or vegan diet can meet all the nutritional needs of an individual, it may be necessary to pay particular attention to some nutrients to ensure an adequate intake, particularly if the person is on a vegan diet. This article will review the evidence for the health benefits of a vegetarian diet and also discuss strategies for meeting the nutritional needs of those following a vegetarian or plant-based eating pattern.

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Trace Elements in Nutrition

Pediatrics in Review ◽

10.1542/pir.16.9.352 ◽

1995 ◽

Vol 16 (9) ◽

pp. 352-352

Author(s):

Heena A. Shah

Keyword(s):

Trace Elements ◽

Breast Milk ◽

Parenteral Nutrition ◽

Tissue Repair ◽

Zinc Concentration ◽

Infant Nutrition ◽

Nutritional Deficiencies ◽

Acrodermatitis Enteropathica ◽

Essential Trace Elements ◽

The World

Trace elements other than iron only recently have gained importance in infant nutrition. Zinc and copper are two of the most essential trace elements. Zinc is a constituent of more than 100 metalloenzymes and plays an important role in growth, reproduction, tissue repair, and cellular immunity. Copper is a component of several metalloenzymes and is required for oxidative metabolism. Nutritional deficiencies of zinc now are recognized as being fairly prevalent throughout the world. Symptomatic zinc deficiency among infants can be attributed to several factors. It can be secondary to low zinc concentration in breast milk, low stores (as in prematurity), malabsorption (as in acrodermatitis enteropathica), or absence or inadequate amount in parenteral nutrition.

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Association of Vegetarian Diet with Chronic Kidney Disease

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu11020279 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. 279 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Hao-Wen Liu ◽

Wen-Hsin Tsai ◽

Jia-Sin Liu ◽

Ko-Lin Kuo

Keyword(s):

Chronic Kidney Disease ◽

Kidney Disease ◽

Vegetarian Diet ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Multivariable Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Global Public Health ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Diet Patterns ◽

Strong Negative Association ◽

Vegetarian Diets

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its complications are major global public health issues. Vegetarian diets are associated with a more favorable profile of metabolic risk factors and lower blood pressure, but the protective effect in CKD is still unknown. We aim to assess the association between vegetarian diets and CKD. A cross-sectional study was based on subjects who received physical checkups at the Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital from 5 September 2005, to 31 December 2016. All subjects completed a questionnaire to assess their demographics, medical history, diet pattern, and lifestyles. The diet patterns were categorized into vegan, ovo-lacto vegetarian, or omnivore. CKD was defined as an estimated GFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 or the presence of proteinuria. We evaluated the association between vegetarian diets and CKD prevalence by using multivariate analysis. Our study recruited 55,113 subjects. CKD was significantly less common in the vegan group compared with the omnivore group (vegan 14.8%, ovo-lacto vegetarians 20%, and omnivores 16.2%, P < 0.001). The multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that vegetarian diets including vegan and ovo-lacto vegetarian diets were possible protective factors [odds ratios = 0.87 (0.77–0.99), P = 0.041; 0.84 (0.78–0.90), P < 0.001]. Our study showed a strong negative association between vegetarian diets and prevalence of CKD. If such associations are causal, vegetarian diets could be helpful in reducing the occurrence of CKD.

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Nutritional State of Elderly Women on Admission to Mental Hospital

The British Journal of Psychiatry ◽

10.1192/bjp.147.4.404 ◽

1985 ◽

Vol 147 (4) ◽

pp. 404-407 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

M. R. Hancock ◽

R. P. Hullin ◽

P. R. Aylard ◽

J. R. King ◽

D. B. Morgan

Keyword(s):

Mental Illness ◽

Length Of Stay ◽

Mental Hospital ◽

Elderly Women ◽

Senile Dementia ◽

The Elderly ◽

Water Soluble ◽

Nutritional Deficiencies ◽

Healthy Elderly ◽

Low Levels

Since nutritional deficiencies might worsen the severity of symptoms and prolong the length of illness in non-nutritional disorders, particularly in the elderly, we examined the nutritional status of 216 elderly women newly admitted to a mental hospital. Compared to healthy elderly women, they had lower values for plasma prealbumin, vitamin C, and B vitamins. This was particularly common in senile dementia, and appeared to be the result of inadequate intake of protein or vitamins. Regular hospital diet for one month corrected the very low levels of prealbumin, but supplements were essential to remove deficiency of the water-soluble vitamins. Although vitamin supplements did not influence the length of stay in hospital, we did not exclude the possibility that nutritional deficiencies have a significant effect on the severity of mental illness.

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Assessment of the knowledge of nutritional recommendations and way of nutrition in vegetarians and vegans

Roczniki Państwowego Zakładu Higieny ◽

10.32394/rpzh.2021.0182 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 381-391

Author(s):

Sandra Marciniak ◽

Ewa Lange ◽

Wacław Laskowski

Keyword(s):

Fast Food ◽

Sample Selection ◽

Vegetarian Diet ◽

The Body ◽

Nutritional Knowledge ◽

Whole Grain ◽

Dietary Recommendations ◽

Normal Range ◽

Nutritional Recommendations ◽

Vegetarian Diets

Background. People following a vegetarian diet can obtain all the essential nutrients from a variety of foods. Among the nutrients, protein, iron, calcium, zinc, and vitamins B12 and D3 require special attention. Objective. To assess the knowledge of dietary recommendations among different groups of vegetarians and the diet they follow. Material and methods. The study involved a total of 390 subjects (360 women and 30 men), aged 18–60 years, who were following different vegetarian diets. The study was conducted in November 2020 via Facebook using the Computerassisted web interviewing (CAWI) method. Participation in the study was voluntary and anonymous, and sample selection was intentional (participants were members of groups for vegetarians in Facebook). Statistical analysis was carried out using the Chi2 test, using Statistica 13.3 (at p=0.05). Results. To develop the results, the respondents were divided into 4 groups according to their diet: vegan, pescovegetarian, lactovegetarian, and people following other types of diets. The body mass index of nearly 2/3 of the respondents was within the normal range, and more than 80% of the respondents rated their health as good or very good. An analysis of the frequency of consumption of food products showed that, regardless of the type of vegetarian diet they followed, the participants adhered to the principles of proper nutrition. The respondents who rated their nutritional knowledge as very good were more likely to consume vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole-grain cereals, and rarely consumed sweet and salty snacks, alcoholic and energizing drinks, or fast food. Vegans more frequently consumed fruits, vegetables, legumes, vegetable fats, and vegetable substitutes for meat and dairy products compared to other vegetarians. In addition to plant products, pesco- and lactovegetarians included selected animal-derived products in their food rations, thus skillfully diversifying the diet. More than 80% of the vegetarians used dietary supplements, mainly vitamins D and B12. Conclusions. Regardless of the type of vegetarian diet followed, the participants seemed to be aware of how to balance their diet and the ingredients that should be supplemented, even though a vast majority of them did not consult a diet specialist.

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Vegetarian Diet: A Boon or Bane for Health?

Journal of Medical Research and Innovation ◽

10.15419/jmri.84 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 2 (1) ◽

pp. e000084

Author(s):

Varshil Mehta

Keyword(s):

Folic Acid ◽

Cardiovascular Diseases ◽

Vitamin C ◽

Vitamin B12 ◽

Dietary Fiber ◽

Kidney Stones ◽

Vegetarian Diet ◽

Animal Origin ◽

Saturated Fats ◽

Vegetarian Diets

In recent times, there have been many scientific evidences which suggest that wholesome vegetarian diets offer significant advantages compared to diets containing meat and other foods of animal origin. The benefits ranges from lower intakes of cholesterol, saturated fats, animal proteins and higher intakes of dietary fiber, vitamin C and E, carotenoids, magnesium, folic acid, and other phytochemicals. However, it is often said that vegetarian diet lacks the nutrients like vitamin B12, proteins, zinc, calcium etc., but if an “Appropriate diet with proper planning” involving supplements is consumed, these deficiencies will never exist. Through the present editorial, I would like to show few benefits of having a vegetarian meal. Keywords: Vegetarian diet, Benefits, Cardiovascular diseases, Cataracts, Kidney stones, Hyperlipidemia, Obesity.

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Combination of Exercise and Vegetarian Diet: Relationship with High Density-Lipoprotein Cholesterol in Taiwanese Adults Based on MTHFR rs1801133 Polymorphism

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu12061564 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (6) ◽

pp. 1564

Author(s):

Shu-Lin Chang ◽

Oswald Ndi Nfor ◽

Chien-Chang Ho ◽

Kuan-Jung Lee ◽

Wen-Yu Lu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

High Density Lipoprotein ◽

High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol ◽

Regression Models ◽

Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase ◽

Historical Data ◽

Density Lipoprotein ◽

Vegetarian Diet ◽

High Density ◽

Lipoprotein Cholesterol ◽

Vegetarian Diets

We examined the association between high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and exercise and vegetarian diets, in Taiwanese adults, based on the Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) rs1801133 polymorphism. Using regression models, we analyzed historical data collected from 9255 Taiwan Biobank (TWB) participants from 2008 through 2015. Exposure to exercise was associated with higher HDL-C (β = 1.0508 and 1.4011 for GG and GA + AA individuals, respectively), whereas a vegetarian diet was associated with lower HDL-C (β = −6.2793 and −4.6359 for those with GG and GA + AA genotype, respectively). We found an interaction between exercise and diet among GG individuals (p = 0.0101). Compared with no exercise/no vegetarian diet, vegetarian diet/no exercise was associated with a 5.1514 mg/dl reduction in HDL-C among those with GG genotype (β = −5.1514, p < 0.0001) and a 4.8426 mg/dl reduction (β = −4.8426, p < 0.0001) among those with GA + AA genotype. Vegetarian diets in combination with exercise predicted a 6.5552 mg/dl reduction in HDL-C among GG individuals (β = −6.5552) and a 2.8668 mg/dl reduction among GA + AA individuals (p < 0.05). These findings demonstrated that vegetarian diet alone was associated with lower HDL-C, no matter the rs1801133 genotype. However, the inclusion of regular exercise predicted much lower levels among GG individuals, whereas levels among GA + AA individuals were relatively higher.

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Gender Differences in Attitudes to Vegans/Vegetarians and Their Food Preferences, and Their Implications for Promoting Sustainable Dietary Patterns–A Systematic Review

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su12166292 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (16) ◽

pp. 6292

Author(s):

Klaudia Modlinska ◽

Dominika Adamczyk ◽

Dominika Maison ◽

Wojciech Pisula

Keyword(s):

Gender Differences ◽

Environmental Sustainability ◽

Food Preferences ◽

Quality Criteria ◽

Meat Consumption ◽

Vegetarian Diet ◽

Striking Difference ◽

Social Perceptions ◽

Screening Process ◽

Vegetarian Diets

Limiting meat consumption has recently become one of the key issues linked to public health and environmental sustainability. This is reflected in the strong emphasis on increasing promotion of plant-based nutritional styles, such as vegan and vegetarian diets. Vegan/vegetarian diets appeal to certain demographic groups more than to others. The most striking difference, however, is found between the sexes. Men and women differ in their preferences for plant products and in their attitudes to meat consumption. There are also differences between their motivations to start and/or follow a vegan/vegetarian diet. Major differences have also been observed in men’s and women’s attitudes towards people following plant-based diets. Vegetarian diets are generally considered to be less masculine than meat-based diets, and omnivores exhibit more prejudice against vegetarian men than women. This study follows the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) systematic literature review model. The Web of Science and PubMed databases were searched (up to January 2020) to identify studies, which analysed variables directly or indirectly related to inter-sex differences with regard to the vegan/vegetarian diet. After the screening process based on the relevance and quality criteria, 29 articles were included in the study. The purpose of this review is to raise awareness of these gender differences, not only as regards social perceptions, but also in terms of individual attitudes to vegetarian/vegan diets. Ignoring those differences hinders the promotion of plant-based diets and may explain the relatively meager success of previous efforts to promote sustainable nutritional styles.

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Knowledge of Health Professionals Regarding Vegetarian Diets from Pregnancy to Adolescence: An Observational Study

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu11051149 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (5) ◽

pp. 1149 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Maria Enrica Bettinelli ◽

Elena Bezze ◽

Laura Morasca ◽

Laura Plevani ◽

Gabriele Sorrentino ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Service Learning ◽

Health Professionals ◽

Dietary Habits ◽

Vegetarian Diet ◽

Life Cycles ◽

Vegan Diet ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Correct Definition ◽

Vegetarian Diets

The number of people adopting vegetarian diets is constantly increasing, and many among them are young parents who decide to share their diet with their children. The aim of this study was to investigate health professionals’ knowledge regarding the adoption of vegetarian diets from pregnancy to adolescence. A cross-sectional survey was conducted. The administered questionnaire, which was based on the recommendations of the most up-to-date guidelines, included two macro areas: The first investigated the sociodemographic and professional profile of the interviewees and the second addressed the knowledge of the participants regarding vegetarian diets. A total of 418 health professionals in Italy were interviewed, of whom 65.8% were nursing staff. Among the participants, 79.9% had not attended a nutrition course in the previous five years. A correct definition of a vegetarian/vegan diet was provided by 34.1% of the participants. The answers regarding knowledge of nutrients were correct in 20% of cases, whereas correct answers to questions assessing knowledge of the risk and benefits of a vegetarian diet and the adoption of a vegetarian diet throughout the life cycle were given by 45% and 39.4% of the participants, respectively. A significant correlation between the items of the second macro area that investigated the knowledge and dietary habits of the participants was found for seven items. The results of the study indicate that health professionals do not have complete and exhaustive knowledge about vegetarian diets and lack information on health outcomes and the adoption of a vegetarian diet throughout the different life cycles and nutrients. Improving pre- and in-service learning opportunities in vegetarian nutrition for health professionals is strongly advisable.

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88 Vegetarian diet, growth and micronutrient stores in childhood: A prospective cohort study

Paediatrics & Child Health ◽

10.1093/pch/pxaa068.087 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 25 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. e36-e36

Author(s):

Laura Elliott ◽

Jonathon Maguire ◽

Catherine Birken ◽

Charles Keown-Stoneman ◽

David Jenkins

Keyword(s):

Cohort Study ◽

Prospective Cohort Study ◽

Prospective Cohort ◽

Vegetarian Diet ◽

Z Score ◽

Hydroxyvitamin D ◽

25 Hydroxyvitamin D ◽

Vegetarian Diets ◽

The Relationship ◽

Height For Age

Abstract Background Vegetarian diets are becoming increasingly popular among Canadians, yet few studies have evaluated the relationship between a vegetarian diet and childhood growth and nutritional status. Since vegetarian diets can be less energy dense and may have lower micronutrient content, we hypothesized that a vegetarian diet may affect childhood growth including lower adiposity and height, as well as lower micronutrient stores. Objectives The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between vegetarian diet and growth, including adiposity and height among healthy children 6 months to 10 years of age. Secondary objectives included the examination of the relationship between vegetarian diet and iron and vitamin D stores. We also explored whether cow’s milk intake or age modified the associations between vegetarian diet and growth, and micronutrient stores. Design/Methods This was a prospective cohort study of healthy children age 6 months to 10 years. The primary exposure was vegetarian diet measured by parent report. The primary outcome was BMI z-score. Secondary outcomes included height-for-age z-score, serum ferritin, and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Anthropometric measures and venous blood samples were collected at health supervision visits by trained research assistants. Linear mixed effect modelling was used to determine the association between vegetarian diet, growth, and micronutrient stores. Results A total of 8912 children (n = 248 vegetarian) participated. In the adjusted models there was no evidence of an association between vegetarian diet and BMI z-score (p = 0.605, 95% CI: -0.06, 0.10), height-for-age z-score (p 0.057, 95% CI: -0.16, 0.002), serum ferritin (p = 0.768, 95% CI: -3.84, 2.84), or 25-hydroxyvitamin D (p = 0.204, 95% CI: -2.14, 0.46). The relationship between vegetarian diet and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D was modified by child age. Volume of cow’s milk intake did not modify the relationships between vegetarian diet and BMI z-score, height-for-age z-score, serum ferritin, or 25-hydroxyvitamin D. In a secondary analysis, we examined adiposity through weight status categories and found children with a vegetarian diet had higher odds of being underweight (BMI z-score <-2) (OR 1.9, p = 0.006, 95% CI 1.21-3.00). Conclusion In this prospective cohort study, evidence of an association between vegetarian diet and lower BMI z-score, height-for-age z-score, and micronutrient stores was not found. Our results suggest children with vegetarian diets had higher odds of being underweight. Future research is needed to evaluate dietary factors and patterns of children following vegetarian diets, especially those with an underweight weight status.

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