ABSTRACT
Actualmente, en Chile se ha evidenciado un aumento de la población vegetariana, sin embargo, existen escasos datos sociodemográficos, por lo cual, el objetivo del presente estudio es caracterizar, según antecedentes sociodemográficos y alimentarios a personas vegetarianas chilenas en el año 2022. Se utilizó el paradigma cuantitativo y el diseño metodológico fue no experimental, descriptivo, exploratorio de corte transversal. Se aplicó una encuesta de caracterización mediante Google Forms a 504 personas y para el análisis de la información se utilizó el programa SPSS v. 24. El 85,7% declaró ser de género femenino, la edad promedio fue 26,3 ± 5,7 años, 45,5% de los encuestados se declararon ovolactovegetarianos, seguido por vegetarianos estrictos (38,7%) y la principal motivación fue principios animalistas (68,7%). El 87,8% cursó educación superior y el 36,5% correspondió al área de salud. El principal motivo de asistencia al nutricionista fue el asesoramiento con un 80%. Se destacó que la población vegetariana consideró que es fundamental la asistencia a un profesional nutricionista para practicar este estilo de vida de forma óptima, por lo que es fundamental que los profesionales de salud se involucren en conocer a esta población, con el objetivo de otorgar una atención más cercana e integral. Finalmente, la presente investigación corresponde al primer estudio que permite caracterizar a la población vegetariana en Chile.
Currently, in Chile there has been an increase in the vegetarian population; however, there are few sociodemographic data, therefore, the objective of this study is to characterise, according to sociodemographic and dietary background, Chilean vegetarians in the year 2022. The quantitative paradigm was used and the methodological design was non-experimental, descriptive, exploratory cross-section. A characterisation survey was applied using Google Forms to 504 people and SPSS v. 24. 85.7% declared to be female, the average age was 26.3 ± 5.7 years, 45.5% of those surveyed declared themselves lacto-ovo vegetarians, followed by strict vegetarians (38.7%) and the main motivation was animalistic principles (68.7%). 87.8% attended higher education and 36.5% corresponded to the health area. The main reason for helping the nutritionist was the advice with 80%. It was highlighted that the vegetarian population considered that it is essential to assist a professional nutritionist in practising this lifestyle optimally, so it is essential that health professionals get involved in getting to know this population, with the aim of providing closer and more comprehensive care. Finally, this research corresponds to the first study that allows characterising the vegetarian population in Chile.
ABSTRACT
Infantile tremor syndrome (ITS) is a very rare disease with an incidence of <0.2% in India. Affecting children are around 1 year of age and characterized by developmental delay, skin pigmentation, and coarse tremors. Studies since 1990 conclude that ITS is caused by nutritional deficiencies, most prominently of Vitamin B12. Since lactating mothers from a poor socioeconomic background in regions where vegetarianism is prevalent because of cultural reasons are most likely to be deficient in Vitamin B12, the syndrome is most likely to affect this segment. The case described herein is unique because it is from Mangalore in India which is a coastal town with very low levels of vegetarianism. A 14-month-old girl presented with fever, vomiting, and loose stools coupled with abnormal movements of eyes, tongue, and hands which were coarse, rhythmic, continuous of low amplitude, present throughout the day, and absent during sleep. Although initial suspicions were of seizures and the patient was administered anti-epileptics, there was no improvement in the condition of the patient. On suspicions of symptoms being of ITS, an MRI-brain was done which showed diffuse mild loss of white matter. Consequently, blood investigations showed macro-to-microcytic hypochromic anemia. Thereafter, the child was started on injectable B12 supplementation and propanolol at 0.5 mg/kg/day for tremors. The child responded well clinically.
ABSTRACT
Resumo O artigo analisa discursos produzidos sobre os animais pelo movimento vegetariano brasileiro do início do século XX. Contextualiza a criação do movimento no país, situando argumentos científicos e morais que embasaram a defesa do vegetarianismo. Analisa os discursos que cotejavam humanos e animais em seus aspectos biológicos e comportamentais, e que consideravam a carne um elemento "contaminador" da natureza humana. Argumenta que a a defesa da vida animal feita pelos vegetarianos naquela época não significava, necessariamente, a abolição de hierarquias e assimetrias entre a humanidade e os demais seres vivos.
Abstract This article analyzes discourse on animals from the Brazilian vegetarian movement during the early twentieth century. It provides context for the creation of this movement in the country, positioning scientific and moral arguments that were used to defend vegetarianism. Discourse that compared the biological and behavioral aspects of human and nonhuman animals and considered meat as an element that "contaminated" human nature was analyzed. We argue that the defense of animal life mounted by vegetarians at that time did not necessarily mean abolishing hierarchies and asymmetries between humans and other living beings.
Subject(s)
Vegetarians , Meat , Brazil , History, 20th CenturyABSTRACT
El déficit de vitamina B12 es una de las complicaciones más importantes que puede producir el vegetarianismo. Los lactantes hijos de madres vegetarianas tienen riesgo aumentado de deficiencia y de presentar compromiso neurológico irreversible si esta no se identifica y corrige adecuadamente.Se describe el caso de un lactante de un mes y veinte días que consultó por episodios paroxísticos de mecanismo epileptógeno, en el cual los estudios complementarios permitieron identificar un déficit de vitamina B12 como causa de estos. Tras la confirmación diagnóstica, se instauró el tratamiento con vitamina B12 intramuscular, con remisión completa de los síntomas, buena evolución posterior y desarrollo psicomotor sin alteraciones.Teniendo en cuenta las tendencias alimentarias actuales, es necesario incorporar, en la práctica clínica habitual, la anamnesis nutricional materna detallada para detectar precozmente el riesgo de déficit de esta vitamina y prevenirlo
Vitamin B12 deficiency is one of the main complications of vegetarianism. Infants of vegetarian mothers have greater risk of deficiency and irreversible neurological compromise if deficiency is not identified and treated. We describe the case of a 1 month 20 days-old infant who consulted due to paroxysmal episodes of epileptogenic mechanism; laboratory tests identified a deficiency in vitamin B12 as the cause. After confirmation of diagnosis, treatment with intramuscular vitamin B12 was established with full remission of symptoms, good evolution and psychomotor development without alterations.Considering current alimentary trends, it is necessary to include a detailed maternal nutritional anamnesis in regular clinical practice, in order to detect the risk of this vitamin deficiency at an early stage and to prevent it.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Infant , Vitamin B 12 Deficiency , Pediatrics , Diet, Vegetarian/adverse effects , Vegetarians , MothersABSTRACT
La deficiencia de vitamina B12 es una de las complicaciones más graves del vegetarianismo. Los lactantes hijos de madres veganas tienen mayor riesgo de deficiencia grave y son más lábiles ante sus efectos. La deficiencia de B12 no es, por lo general, sospechada por el pediatra en lactantes previamente sanos con síntomas neurológicos, ya que las manifestaciones iniciales son inespecíficas: apatía, rechazo del alimento y pérdida de pautas madurativas. La anamnesis nutricional es fundamental para detectar riesgo de déficit de esta vitamina en lactantes. El objetivo de este trabajo es describir a un grupo de lactantes, hijos de madres veganas, con déficit de B12 y compromiso neurológico grave: apneas centrales, convulsiones, hipotonía, pérdida de conexión con el medio y de pautas madurativas. Nuestro propósito es alertar sobre la importancia de suplir B12 a las madres veganas desde antes de la concepción hasta el fin de la lactancia.
Vitamin B12 deficiency is one of the most serious complications of vegetarianism and its variants. Infants born to vegan mothers are at greater risk of serious deficiency, being more vulnerable to their effects. B12 deficiency is not usually suspected by the pediatrician in healthy infants with neurological symptoms. The manifestations are nonspecific: apathy, rejection of food and loss of maturational patterns. A nutritional history of the mother, mainly if she is vegetarian, to estimate her reserves is fundamental to detect risk of deficiency of this vitamin in the small child. The objective of this work is to describe a group of infants, children of vegan mothers, with B12 deficiency and serious neurological compromise: central apneas, seizures, hypotonia, loss of connection with the environment and maturational patterns. Our purpose is to alert about the importance of supplying vegan mothers with B12 before conception until the end of breastfeeding.
Subject(s)
Humans , Infant , Pediatrics , Diet, Vegetarian , Vitamin B 12 Deficiency , Infant , Nervous System DiseasesABSTRACT
RESUMEN: Hace aproximadamente once mil años el ser humano pasó de alimentarse de los animales que cazaba o pescaba y los frutos y plantas que recolectaba, a aquellos que podía crecer a voluntad mediante la agricultura. Este cambio alteró dramáticamente la forma de la cabeza ósea y particularmente de la cara, que se hizo más grácil, y además se redujo el aporte de nutrientes claves. Con la industrialización, hubo un gran deterioro de la salud oral. Al abandono de una dieta cazadora recolectora incluso se le ha atribuido el origen de maloclusiones dentales, debido a la reducción del estrés masticatorio y con ello un menor tamaño relativo del maxilar y la mandíbula respecto a los dientes. Hoy en día, existiendo una mayor conciencia de la población respecto de sus cuidados y de su entorno, la adopción de dietas que excluyen cierto tipo de alimentos como los animales ha ganado adeptos. La dieta vegetariana presenta varias características que pueden afectar el metabolismo general y el óseo en particular, de manera similar a como lo hizo la agricultura en el pasado. La presente revisión busca analizar los cambios de la dieta humana, del punto de vista nutricional y mecánico y cómo estos afectaron la forma de la cara. Esto con el objetivo de comprender los posibles efectos de la introducción de alimentaciones de tipo restrictivas, como la vegetariana, en el organismo y particularmente en la anatomía facial.
SUMMARY: Approximately eleven thousand years ago humans beings went from feeding on animals they hunted or fished and fruits and plants they gathered, to crops they could grow through agriculture. This change dramatically altered the shape of the skull, particularly the face, which became more gracile, and also reduced the contribution of key nutrients. Along with industrialization, there was great deterioration of oral health. Leaving behind the hunter-gatherer diet has even been attributed to the origins of dental malocclusions, as masticatory stress was reduce, and reducing the size of the maxilla and mandible with respect to the teeth. Nowadays, there is greater awareness in the general population regarding personal care and their surroundings. Diets that exclude certain types of foods such as animal products are becoming more prevalent. The vegetarian diet has several characteristics that can affect metabolism, particularly the bones, as did the change from hunter-gatherer to agriculture in the past. The present review seeks to analyze the changes of the human diet, from the nutritional and mechanical point of view and how these have affected the shape of the face. This in order to understand the possible effects of the introduction of restrictive type feeds, such as the vegetarian diet in the body, particularly in facial anatomy.
Subject(s)
Humans , Skull/anatomy & histology , Diet, Vegetarian , Nutritional Transition , Face/anatomy & histology , Feeding Behavior , Mastication/physiologyABSTRACT
Objective: Vegetarians might be at nutritional risk due to their food preferences. The goal of this study was to compare nutritional status and food intake of vegetarians and omnivores that use restaurants at the Federal University of Parana in Brazil. Methods: Clinical cross-sectional observational study performed between May 2014 and March 2015, assessing 84 vegetarians and 131 omnivores, adults, of both sexes. Anthropometric and body composition characteristics were evaluated on the total sample. In a subsample of 38 vegetarians and 63 omnivores, food intake of macronutrients, fibers, vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium, iron and zinc were evaluated. Blood tests for vitamin B12, iron, and ferritin were performed in a subsample of 40 individuals of each group. Results: The studied groups presented similar anthropometric data and body composition, although both had individuals classified as at risk for cardiovascular diseases according to body mass index (BMI) (16.7% and 24.4% above 25 kg/m2 among vegetarians and omnivores, respectively). The caloric intake did not differ as well, although the main sources of energy intake among vegetarians were carbohydrates as compared to omnivores that had lipids as the main source of energy in their meals. Vegetarians reached the recommended intake of fibers, and the omnivores, had a lower intake of this nutrient as expected. For vitamin B12 the prevalence of inadequate intake was 37.8% on the vegetarians group and 0.6% on the omnivores, and for calcium, 49% for both groups. Both presented vitamin D intake below the estimated average requirement. The intake of iron did not differ among groups, however, in the vegetarian group the inadequacy reached 50% for men and 100% for women; and in the omnivore group 93% for women. For zinc, the inadequacy risk was 100% for men and 90% for women in the vegetarian group and 25% of men and 4.5% for women on the omnivore group. Regarding the biochemical exams, the most evident deficiency was of serum vitamin B12 on vegetarians. Conclusions: The food choices among the investigated undergraduate vegetarians do not guarantee nutritional security as detected in this study. Except for calcium, the prevalence of inadequate intake of macro and micronutrients was higher among vegetarians as compared to omnivores, stablishing a nutritional risk status to this group regarding to intake of sources of vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron and zinc.
Objetivo: Os vegetarianos podem estar em risco nutricional devido às suas preferências alimentares. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar o estado nutricional e a ingestão alimentar de vegetarianos e onívoros que utilizam restaurantes da Universidade Federal do Paraná, no Brasil. Método: Estudo clínico observacional de corte transversal realizado entre maio de 2014 e março de 2015, avaliando 84 vegetarianos e 131 onívoros, adultos, de ambos os sexos. As características antropométricas e de composição corporal foram avaliadas na amostra total. Em uma subamostra de 38 vegetarianos e 63 onívoros, a ingestão alimentar de macronutrientes, fibras, vitamina B12, vitamina D, cálcio, ferro e zinco foram avaliados. Exames de sangue para vitamina B12, ferro e ferritina foram realizados em uma subamostra de 40 indivíduos de cada grupo. Resultados: Os grupos estudados apresentaram dados antropométricos e composição corporal semelhantes, embora ambos apresentassem indivíduos classificados como de risco para doenças cardiovasculares de acordo com o índice de massa corporal (IMC) (16,7% e 24,4% acima de 25 kg/m2 entre vegetarianos e onívoros, respectivamente). A ingestão calórica também não diferiu, embora as principais fontes de ingestão de energia entre os vegetarianos fossem carboidratos em comparação aos onívoros que tinham lipídios como principal fonte de energia em suas refeições. Os vegetarianos atingiram a ingestão recomendada de fibras, e os onívoros tiveram uma ingestão menor desse nutriente como esperado. Para a vitamina B12, a prevalência de ingestão inadequada foi de 37,8% no grupo dos vegetarianos e de 0,6% nos onívoros, e para o cálcio de 49% nos dois grupos. Ambos apresentaram ingestão de vitamina D abaixo do requisito médio estimado. A ingestão de ferro não diferiu entre os grupos, no entanto, no grupo vegetariano a inadequação chegou a 50% para os homens e 100% para as mulheres; e no grupo onívoro, 93% para as mulheres. Para o zinco, o risco de inadequação foi de 100% para homens e 90% para mulheres no grupo vegetariano e 25% de homens e 4,5% para mulheres no grupo onívoro. Em relação aos exames bioquímicos, a deficiência mais evidente foi de vitamina B12 sérica nos vegetarianos. Conclusões: As escolhas alimentares entre os vegetarianos de graduação investigados não garantem a segurança nutricional, como detectado neste estudo. Com exceção do cálcio, a prevalência de ingestão inadequada de macro e micronutrientes foi maior entre os vegetarianos em relação aos onívoros, estabelecendo um risco nutricional para esse grupo em relação à ingestão de fontes de vitamina B12, vitamina D, ferro e zinco.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Adult , Body Composition , Diet, Vegetarian , Eating , Nutrition AssessmentABSTRACT
Introducción: la comercialización de bebidas a base de al-mendras fortificadas con calcio (Ca) se ha difundido inter-nacionalmente. Por su aspecto blanquecino se denominan usualmente leches, siendo utilizadas en reemplazo de le-che vacuna, sobre todo por vegetarianos estrictos. En Argentina se preparan sólo de manera artesanal y se desconoce su contenido en nutrientes, en particular de minerales. Objetivos: estudiar la composición centesimal y el contenido de minerales de las bebidas artesanales en base a almendras, utilizando distintas condiciones de obtención usualmente empleadas. Materiales y métodos: se elaboraron cuatro bebidas uti-lizando 100 g de almendras en 600 ml de agua, variando tiempos de remojo (0-36 hs) y con/sin filltración. Se estudió Ca por espectrometría de absorción atómica, sodio (Na) y po-tasio (K) por espectrometría de emisión, previa mineralización nitro-perclórica (50:50). En almendras se determinaron los inositoles fosfatos (IP) por HPLC y se calculó la relación molar ácido fítico (AF)/Ca, utilizando factores de conversión, como indicador de la disponibilidad potencial de Ca. Resultados: la composición de almendras fue (g%): grasas 53,5; proteínas 16,8; fibra dietaria total 9,6; cenizas 2,9; car-bohidratos digeribles 12,0; minerales (mg%): Ca 221; K 555 y Na 0,7; IP (mg%): IP3 54, IP4 151, IP5 853, IP6 4838. La relación molar AF/Ca resultó 1,6, muy superior a la recomen-dada (<0,17). En bebidas los resultados fueron (g%): grasas 3,2-5,6; proteínas 2,3-2,8; cenizas 0,2-0,3; minerales (mg%): Ca 9-18; K 56-68 y Na 13-16. Conclusiones: no se evidenciaron diferencias en nutrientes al comparar los diversos tiempos de remojo, ni con o sin filtración, resultando productos de muy bajo contenido de Na y Ca, y moderado aporte de K.
ntroduction: calcium fortified almond beverages are inter-nationally produced. Due to its white appearance they are usually termed as "milk", being used to replace cow's milk, especially by the strict vegetarians. In Argentina, they are only homemade prepared and their nutrient content is unknown, particularly minerals.Objectives: to establish the proximate composition and con-tent of almond beverages using different processing condi-tions usually employed.Materials and methods: 4 beverages were prepared using 100 g of almonds in 600 ml water, changing the soaking time (0-36 hs) and with/without ltration. Calcium (Ca), potassium (K) and sodium (Na) of almonds and were quanti ed by atomic absorption spectrometry (Ca) and emission spectrometry (Na and K), after a nitroperchloric (50:50) mineralization. Inositol phosphates (IP) were determined in almonds by HPLC and the phytic acid (PA)/Ca molar ratio was calculated using conversion factors as an indicator of the potential availability of Ca. Results: the almonds composition was (g%): fats 53,5; pro-teins 16,8; total dietary bre 9,6; ashes 2,9; digestible carbo-hydrates 12,0; minerals (mg%): Ca 221; K 555 and Na 0,7; IP (mg%): IP3 54, IP4 151, IP5 853, IP6 4838. The PA/Ca molar ratio was 1,6, much higher than the recommended value (<0,17). The results for the 4 beverages were (g%): fats 3,2-5,6; proteins 2.3-2.8; ash 0.2-0.3; minerals (mg%): Ca 9-18; K 56-68 and Na 13-16. Conclusions: there was no signi cant difference in the nu-trient content of the 4 beverages neither when different soaking time nor the presence or absences of ltration were compared. The beverages are products with low content of Na and Ca and moderate content of K.
Subject(s)
Humans , Food Composition , Juices , Prunus , Calcium , Food Security , PotassiumABSTRACT
Introducción: La deficiencia de vitamina B12 es una de las complicaciones del vegetarianismo y sus variantes. Los lactantes de madres vegetarianas tienen mayor riesgo de deficiencia y son más lábiles a sus efectos. Objetivo: Relatar un caso para alertar sobre la importancia de la sospecha de deficiencia de vitamina B12 en hijos de madres con hábito vegetariano. Caso clínico: Se presenta una lactante de 12 meses, hija de una mujer vegetariana de larga data, que se presenta con compromiso neurológico y hematológico por déficit de vitamina B12. Luego de un corto período de administración de cianocobalamina parenteral y apoyo enteral nutricional, evoluciona con una notoria mejoría clínica y de laboratorio, aunque aún presenta retraso del desarrollo residual. Conclusiones: La deficiencia de vitamina B12 no es frecuentemente sospechada por el pediatra en lactantes sanos. Sus manifestaciones clínicas pueden ser tan inespecíficas, como la apatía, el rechazo alimentario y el deterioro progresivo del desarrollo psicomotor. Una anamnesis nutricional breve realizada a la madre (con mayor énfasis en aquellas vegetarianas) para estimar sus reservas en el periodo previo, durante y después del parto pueden ser fundamentales para detectar el riesgo déficit de esta vitamina en el niño pequeño.
Introduction: Vitamin B12 deficiency is extremely common in strict vegetarians and their variants. Infants of vegetarian mothers have a higher risk of deficiency and are more prone to its effects. Objective: To report a case in order to warn people about the importance of suspected vitamin B12 deficiency in children of vegetarian mothers. Case report: A 12-month old infant, daughter of a longtime vegetarian woman, who presented neurological and hematological compromise due to vitamin B12 deficiency, is discussed. After a short period of parenteral administration of cyanocobalamin and enteral nutrition, the patient evolved with clinical and laboratory improvement, although she still had residual development delay. Conclusions: Vitamin B12 deficiency is often not suspected by the pediatrician in healthy infants. Clinical manifestations can be nonspecific, such as apathy, food refusal and progressive impairment of psychomotor development. A nutritional anamnesis performed on the mother (with great emphasis on those strict vegetarians) to estimate her reserves in the period prior to, during and after delivery can be critical to detect the risk of this vitamin deficiency in young children.
Subject(s)
Humans , Adult , Female , Infant , /complications , /etiology , Diet, Vegetarian/adverse effects , Anemia, Megaloblastic/etiology , /drug therapy , Developmental Disabilities/etiology , Parenteral Nutrition , /administration & dosageABSTRACT
El correcto planeamiento de una alimentación vegetariana, hace que esta sea apropiada para los individuosdurante las diferentes etapas del ciclo de la vida, incluyendo también a los deportistas.En esta revisión se quiere considerar si el vegetarianismo es beneficioso, o perjudicial en el rendimiento deportivo.Se examinan los posibles mecanismos por los cuales las prácticas dietéticas vegetarianas podrían influir enel rendimiento deportivo, considerando el impacto de los macronutrientes como las proteínas y los hidratos decarbono, como también los micronutrientes como el hierro, el calcio, el zinc, la vitamina B12, y los antioxidantesy otros componentes de la dieta, tales como la creatina.
A well-planned vegetarian diet can be appropriate for individuals during different stages of their life cycle, including for athletes.This review aims to assess whether vegetarianism has a beneficial or negative effect on athletic performance. We analyze possible mechanisms by which vegetarian dietary practices could influence athletic performance. We consider the impact of macronutrients such as proteins and carbohydrates, as well as of micronutrients such as iron,calcium, zinc, vitamin B12, and antioxidants and other dietary components, including creatine.
O correto planejamento de uma alimentação vegetariana faz com que ela seja apropriada para os indivíduos durante as diferentes etapas do ciclo da vida, incluindo também os esportistas. Esta revisão tem como objetivo considerar se o vegetarianismo é benéfico ou prejudicial ao rendimento esportivo. Foram examinados os possíveis mecanismos pelos quais as práticas dietéticas vegetarianas poderiam influenciar no rendimento esportivo, considerando o impacto dos macronutrientes como as proteínas e os hidratos de carbono, como também os micronutrientes como o ferro, o cálcio, o zinco, a vitamina B12, e os antioxidantes e outros componentes da dieta,tais como a creatina.
Subject(s)
Humans , Diet, Vegetarian , SportsABSTRACT
En la promoción de la salud y la prevención de enfermedades a través de la alimentación han predominado modelos cognoscitivos que asumen que la información es un motor de cambio, pero el consumidor suele decidir en función de motivos más complejos que los valores nutricionales de la comida. El propósito de esta investigación es indagar los significados psicológicos que estudiantes universitarios le otorgan a los conceptos de Comer carne, Vegetarianismo, Persona vegetariana y Alimentación saludable. Se utilizó un diseño transeccional descriptivo-comparativo, con la metodología cualitativa-cuantitativa del Método de Redes Semánticas Naturales, con 60 estudiantes universitarios. A los conceptos Comer carne y Vegetarianismo los estudiantes atribuyen significados a partir de productos alimenticios concretos más que de características subjetivas que relacionen a ellos. A Persona vegetariana asocian palabras que la definen como saludable y enfermiza al mismo tiempo, mientras que Alimentación saludable se describe, según las definidoras, como una dieta "balanceada" con muchas frutas y verduras y poca carne. Se destacan también las diferencias entre hombres y mujeres en estas conceptualizaciones, que señalan dinámicas de género relacionadas con la alimentación y la salud.
The prevailing cognitive models for the promotion of health and prevention of disease through good diet assume that information is an incentive for change. However, consumers tend to choose their food based on motives more complex than nutritional values. The purpose of this study is to investigate the psychological meanings that Chilean university students attribute to the concepts of Eating meat, Vegetarianism, Vegetarian person and Healthy diet. A descriptive-comparative cross-sectional design was used, applying a quantitative-qualitative Natural Semantic Network instrument to 60 university students. Students attribute meanings to Eating meat and Vegetarianism by citing concrete food products more than subjective characteristics they associate with these concepts. Vegetarian person is defined as simultaneously healthy and sickly, while Healthy diet is described as a "balanced" diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables and less meat. Differences between concepts men and women are also discussed to highlight gender dynamics related to food and health.
ABSTRACT
In this review, we present the contributions to nutrition science from Latin American native peoples and scientists, appreciated from a historic point of view since pre-historic times to the modern age. Additionally, we present epidemiological and clinical studies on the area of plant-based diets and their relation with the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases conducted in recent decades, and we discuss challenges and perspectives regarding aspects of nutrition in the region.