scholarly journals Unintended Consequences: Nutritional Impact and Potential Pitfalls of Switching from Animal- to Plant-Based Foods

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 2527
Author(s):  
Rachel Tso ◽  
Ciarán G. Forde
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Protein Quality ◽  
Saturated Fat ◽  
Unintended Consequences ◽  
Vegan Diet ◽  
Healthy Plant ◽  
Animal Products ◽  
Nutrient Density ◽  
Nutritional Benefits ◽  
Potassium Magnesium

Consumers are shifting towards plant-based diets, driven by both environmental and health reasons. This has led to the development of new plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs) that are marketed as being sustainable and good for health. However, it remains unclear whether these novel PBMAs to replace animal foods carry the same established nutritional benefits as traditional plant-based diets based on pulses, legumes and vegetables. We modelled a reference omnivore diet using NHANES 2017–2018 data and compared it to diets that substituted animal products in the reference diet with either traditional or novel plant-based foods to create flexitarian, vegetarian and vegan diets matched for calories and macronutrients. With the exception of the traditional vegan diet, all diets with traditional plant-based substitutes met daily requirements for calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, iron and Vitamin B12 and were lower in saturated fat, sodium and sugar than the reference diet. Diets based on novel plant-based substitutes were below daily requirements for calcium, potassium, magnesium, zinc and Vitamin B12 and exceeded the reference diet for saturated fat, sodium and sugar. Much of the recent focus has been on protein quality and quantity, but our case study highlights the risk of unintentionally increasing undesirable nutrients while reducing the overall nutrient density of the diet when less healthy plant-based substitutes are selected. Opportunities exist for PBMA producers to enhance the nutrient profile and diversify the format of future plant-based foods that are marketed as healthy, sustainable alternatives to animal-based products.

scholarly journals Children and adults should avoid consuming animal products to reduce the risk for chronic disease: Debate Consensus

2020 ◽  
Vol 112 (4) ◽  
pp. 937-940
Author(s):  
Neal D Barnard ◽  
Frédéric Leroy
Keyword(s):  
Striated Muscle ◽  
Saturated Fat ◽  
Whole Grains ◽  
Cow Milk ◽  
Vegan Diet ◽  
Animal Products ◽  
Global Challenge ◽  
Increasing Risk ◽  
Vulnerable Population Groups

ABSTRACT The present debate outlined opposing views regarding the role of animal products in human diets. The YES position argues that the health benefits and safety of plant-based diets have been clearly established by consistent findings of randomized trials and observational studies; that animal products skew the diet toward saturated fat, excess protein, cholesterol, lactose, and exogenous hormones; and that vulnerable populations are better nourished by vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains than by striated muscle and cow milk. In contrast, the NO position asserts that animal foods are not only benign but are also key elements of the human omnivore diet, facilitating the global challenge of adequate essential nutrition. This view holds that the portrayal of animal foods as unhealthy is not supported by the evidence and that a restrictive vegan diet decreases nutritional flexibility and robustness, increasing risk for vulnerable population groups. Points of agreement and controversy were identified, as well as opportunities for further studies.

scholarly journals Vegetarian diets in childhood and adolescence

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvia Rudloff ◽  
Christoph Bührer ◽  
Frank Jochum ◽  
Thomas Kauth ◽  
Mathilde Kersting ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Saturated Fatty Acids ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Vegetarian Diet ◽  
Vegan Diet ◽  
Childhood And Adolescence ◽  
Nutrient Deficiencies ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Animal Products ◽  
Vegetarian Diets

Abstract In Western countries, vegetarian diets are associated with lower intakes of energy, saturated fatty acids and animal protein and higher intakes of fibre and phytochemicals, compared to omnivorous diets. Whether the corresponding health benefits in vegetarians outweigh the risks of nutrient deficiencies has not been fully clarified. It should be noted that vegetarians often have a higher socioeconomic status, follow a more health-conscious lifestyle with higher physical activity, and refrain from smoking more often than non-vegetarians. The nutritional needs of growing children and adolescents can generally be met through a balanced, vegetable-based diet; however, due to their higher nutrient requirements per kilogramme of body weight, vegetarian children have a higher risk for developing nutrient deficiencies than adults. With a vegetarian diet, the mean intakes of some nutrients, such as the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are lower than in omnivores or those eating fish. For other nutrients, such as iron and zinc, the bioavailability from vegetable foodstuffs is reduced when the intake of phytates and fibre is high; thus, the prevalence of iron deficiency can be increased despite high vitamin C intake. In addition, vitamin B12 is only found in animal-source foods. Vitamin B12 should be supplemented in people of all age groups who follow a strict vegan diet without consuming animal products. A vegetarian diet in childhood and adolescence requires good information and supervision by a paediatrician, if necessary, in cooperation with an appropriately trained dietary specialist.

scholarly journals Perspective: Practical Approach to Preventing Subclinical B12 Deficiency in Elderly Population

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 1913
Author(s):  
Alessandra Vincenti ◽  
Laura Bertuzzo ◽  
Antonio Limitone ◽  
Giuseppe D’Antona ◽  
Hellas Cena
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Vitamin B12 Deficiency ◽  
Water Soluble ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Animal Products ◽  
Water Soluble Vitamin ◽  
Age Dependent ◽  
B12 Deficiency ◽  
Inadequate Dietary Intake

Vitamin B12 (also known as cobalamin) is an essential water-soluble vitamin that plays a pivotal role for several physiologic functions during one’s lifespan. Only certain microorganisms are able to synthetize B12, thus humans obtain cobalamin exclusively from their diet, specifically from animal-derived foods. Specific sub-group populations are at risk of vitamin B12 subclinical deficiency due to different factors including poor intake of animal source foods and age-dependent decrease in the capacity of intestinal B12 uptake. Consumption of animal products produces some negative health issues and negatively impacts sustainability while a plant-based diet increases the risk of B12 deficiency. Taking a cue from the aforementioned considerations, this narrative review aims to summarize facts about B12 deficiency and the burden of inadequate dietary intake in elderly population, as well as to discuss sustainable approaches to vitamin B12 deficiency in aging population.

scholarly journals 113: Does vegan diet influence levels of vitamin B12, folate and ferritin in the umbilical-cord?

2020 ◽  
Vol 222 (1) ◽  
pp. S89-S90
Author(s):  
Tomer Avnon ◽  
Ronit Anbar ◽  
Inbar Lavie ◽  
Tali Benmayor ◽  
Efrat Paz Dubinsky ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Umbilical Cord ◽  
Vegan Diet

scholarly journals Evaluation of a nutrient-rich food index score in the Netherlands

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diewertje Sluik ◽  
Martinette T. Streppel ◽  
Linde van Lee ◽  
Anouk Geelen ◽  
Edith J. M. Feskens
Keyword(s):  
Energy Density ◽  
Saturated Fat ◽  
Dietary Guidelines ◽  
Dietary Quality ◽  
Cereal Products ◽  
Nutrient Density ◽  
Rich Food ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Methodological Considerations ◽  
Development And Validation

AbstractNutrient-rich food (NRF) index scores are dietary quality indices based on nutrient density. We studied the design aspects involved in the development and validation of NRF index scores, using the Dutch consumption data and guidelines as an example. We evaluated fifteen NRF index scores against the Dutch Healthy Diet Index (DHD-index), a measure of adherence to the Dutch dietary guidelines, and against energy density. The study population included 2106 adults from the Dutch National Food Consumption Survey 2007–2010. The index scores were composed of beneficial nutrients (protein, fibre, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals), nutrients to limit (saturated fat, sugar, Na) or a combination. Moreover, the influence of methodological decisions was studied, such as the choice of calculation basis (100 g or 100 kcal (418 kJ)). No large differences existed in the prediction of the DHD-index by the fifteen NRF index scores. The score that best predicted the DHD-index included nine beneficial nutrients and three nutrients to limit on a 100-kcal basis, the NRF9.3 with a model R2 of 0·34. The scores were quite robust with respect to sex, BMI and differences in calculation methods. The NRF index scores were correlated with energy density, but nutrient density better predicted the DHD-index than energy density. Consumption of vegetables, cereals and cereal products, and dairy products contributed most to the individual NRF9.3 scores. In conclusion, many methodological considerations underlie the development and evaluation of nutrient density models. These decisions may depend upon the purpose of the model, but should always be based upon scientific, objective and transparent criteria.

Health Implications of a Vegetarian Diet

2011 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 250-267 ◽  
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.

Effect of a Klamath algae product (“AFA-B12”) on blood levels of vitamin B12 and homocysteine in vegan subjects: a pilot study

2009 ◽  
Vol 79 (2) ◽  
pp. 117-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luciana Baroni ◽  
Stefano Scoglio ◽  
Serena Benedetti ◽  
Chiara Bonetto ◽  
Silvia Pagliarani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Blood Concentration ◽  
Control Period ◽  
Vegan Diet ◽  
Blood Levels ◽  
Intervention Period ◽  
Natural Sources ◽  
Reliable Source ◽  
Preliminary Study ◽  
Reliable Marker

Vitamin B12 is a critical nutrient that is often inadequate in a plant-based (vegan) diet, thus the inclusion of a reliable vitamin B12 source in a vegan diet is recommended as essential. Unfortunately, many natural sources of vitamin B12 have been proven to contain biologically inactive vitamin B12 analogues, inadequate for human supplementation. The aim of this non-randomized open trial was to determine whether supplementation with a natural Klamath algae-based product (“AFA-B12”, Aphanizomenon flos-aquae algae plus a proprietary mix of enzymes) could favorably affect the vitamin B12 status of a group of 15 vegan subjects. By assessing blood concentration of vitamin B12, folate, and more importantly homocysteine (Hcy, a reliable marker in vegans of their B12 absorption), the vitamin B12 status of the participants at the end of the 3-month intervention period, while receiving the Klamath-algae supplement (T2), was compared with their vitamin B12 status at the end of the 3-month control period (T1), when they were not receiving any supplement, having stopped taking their usual vitamin B12 supplement at the beginning of the study (T0). Compared to the control period, in the intervention period participants improved their vitamin B12 status, significantly reducing Hcy blood concentration (p=0.003). In conclusion, the Klamath algae product AFA-B12 appears to be, in a preliminary study, an adequate and reliable source of vitamin B12 in humans.

scholarly journals Vitamin B12 Status Upon Short-Term Intervention with a Vegan Diet—A Randomized Controlled Trial in Healthy Participants

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 2815 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ann-Kathrin Lederer ◽  
Luciana Hannibal ◽  
Manuel Hettich ◽  
Sidney Behringer ◽  
Ute Spiekerkoetter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Serum Vitamin ◽  
Vegan Diet ◽  
Micronutrient Deficiencies ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Micronutrient Status ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Cholesterol Intake ◽  
Healthy Participants

Vegans are at an increased risk for certain micronutrient deficiencies, foremost of vitamin B12. Little is known about the short-term effects of dietary change to plant-based nutrition on vitamin B12 metabolism. Systemic biomarkers of vitamin B12 status, namely, serum vitamin B12 and holotranscobalamin, may respond quickly to a reduced intake of vitamin B12. To test this hypothesis, 53 healthy omnivore subjects were randomized to a controlled unsupplemented vegan diet (VD, n = 26) or meat-rich diet (MD, n = 27) for 4 weeks. Vitamin B12 status was examined by measurement of serum vitamin B12, holotranscobalamin (holo-TC), methylmalonic acid (MMA) and total plasma homocysteine (tHcy). Holo-TC decreased significantly in the VD compared to the MD group after four weeks of intervention, whereas metabolites MMA and tHcy were unaffected. Body weight remained stable in both groups. VD intervention led to a significant reduction of cholesterol intake, and adequate profiles of nutrient and micronutrient status. Lower intake of vitamin B12 was observed in VD, which was mirrored by a lower concentration of serum vitamin B12 and reduced holo-TC after 4 weeks. Plasma holo-TC may be a fast-responding biomarker to monitor adequate supply of vitamin B12 in plant-based individuals.

scholarly journals Vitamin B12 Deficiency Is Prevalent Among Czech Vegans Who Do Not Use Vitamin B12 Supplements

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 3019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eliška Selinger ◽  
Tilman Kühn ◽  
Magdalena Procházková ◽  
Michal Anděl ◽  
Jan Gojda
Keyword(s):  
Czech Republic ◽  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Binding Capacity ◽  
Iron Status ◽  
Clinical Care ◽  
Vegan Diet ◽  
Cobalamin Deficiency ◽  
Nutritional Deficiencies ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Supplement Use

As not much is known about the prevalence and predictors of nutritional deficiencies among vegans in the Czech Republic, we evaluated whether supplement use and duration of adherence to the vegan diet are associated with the risk of cobalamin and iron deficiencies. Associations between self-reported supplementation and duration of vegan diet with biomarkers of cobalamin (serum cobalamin, holotranscobalamin, homocysteine, folate) and iron status (serum ferritin, iron binding capacity, transferrin and saturation of transferrin) were assessed by cross-sectional analyses of medical data from a clinical nutrition center. Data from 151 (72 females) adult vegans (age 18–67 years), who were free of major chronic diseases and 85 (40 females) healthy non-vegans (age 21–47 years) were analyzed. Overall, vegans had significantly lower cobalamin, hemoglobin and ferritin levels, but higher folate and MCV values compared to non-vegans. Vegans not using cobalamin supplements were at higher risk of low plasma cobalamin than regularly supplementing vegans (OR: 4.41, 95% CI 1.2–16.16 for cobalamin, OR: 19.18, 95% CI 1.02–359.42 for holotranscobalamin), whereas no significant differences in cobalamin status related to duration of the vegan diet were observed. Regularly supplementing vegans had similar levels of cobalamin/holotranscobalamin as non-vegans. Despite lower ferritin and hemoglobin levels, there was no indication of a higher risk of iron-deficiency among vegans. To conclude cobalamin deficiency risk depends on supplementation status and not on the duration of an exclusive vegan diet, which underlines the need to integrate cobalamin status monitoring and counselling on supplement use in routine clinical care in the Czech Republic.

scholarly journals Fresh and Lean Beef Consumption in Relation to Nutrient Intakes and Diet Quality Among U.S. Adults, 2005–2016 (P18-057-19)

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruopeng An ◽  
Sharon Nickols-Richardson ◽  
Reginald Alston ◽  
Sa Shen ◽  
Caitlin Clarke
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Diet Quality ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Sodium Intake ◽  
Saturated Fat ◽  
Vitamin B3 ◽  
Nutrient Intakes ◽  
Confounding Bias ◽  
Lean Beef ◽  
Daily Intakes

Abstract Objectives This study assessed the influence of beef consumption on nutrient intakes and diet quality among U.S. adults. Methods Nationally-representative sample (N = 27,117) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005–2016 waves were analyzed. First-difference estimator addressed confounding bias from time-invariant unobservables (e.g., eating habits, taste preferences) by using within-individual variations in beef consumption between 2 nonconsecutive 24-hour dietary recalls. Results Approximately 53.6%, 11.6%, and 6.7% of American adults consumed beef, fresh beef, lean beef, and fresh lean beef, respectively. An increase in lean beef and fresh lean beef consumption by one ounce-equivalent per day was associated with an increase in the Health Eating Index-2010 score by 0.20 (95% CI = 0.10, 0.29) and 0.29 (95% CI = 0.03, 0.55), respectively. Prevalence of beef, fresh beef, lean beef, and fresh lean beef consumption differed by sex, age, race/ethnicity, education level, and obesity status. An increase in beef, fresh beef, lean beef, and fresh lean beef consumption by one ounce-equivalent per day was found to be associated with an increase in intakes of total energy by 46.1, 39.6, 34.3, and 23.3 kcal, protein by 5.0, 4.1, 4.9, and 4.2 g, sodium by 66.6, 63.4, 35.8, and 39.1 mg, choline by 18.9, 18.1, 19.4, and 18.9 mg, iron by 0.6, 0.6, 0.5, and 0.5 mg, selenium by 3.8, 3.4, 3.6, and 3.8 µg, zinc by 1.4, 1.2, 1.3, and 1.1 mg, phosphorus by 37.1, 37.5, 32.4, and 34.4 mg, vitamin B2 by 0.03, 0.05, 0.02, and 0.04 mg, vitamin B3 by 0.9, 0.6, 0.9, and 0.6 mg, and vitamin B6 by 0.1, 0.06, 0.1, and 0.07 mg, respectively. An increase in beef, fresh beef, and lean beef consumption by one ounce-equivalent per day was found to be associated with an increase in daily intakes of saturated fat by 0.9, 0.8, and 0.6 g, and vitamin B12 by 0.4, 0.3, and 0.4 µg, respectively. No association linking fresh lean beef consumption with daily intakes of saturated fat and vitamin B12 was identified. Conclusions Beef consumers are advised to increase their share of fresh and lean beef over total beef intake in an effort to maximize their nutritional gains from beef consumption while minimize the resultant increase in energy, saturated fat, and sodium intake. Funding Sources National Cattlemen's Beef Association.

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