Determination of severity of premenstrual syndrome among vegetarian and non-vegetarian women

Background: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a condition that most women experience during the luteal phase of their menstrual cycle. It usually abates at the commencement of the periods. During this period, apart from physical discomfort, some women experience psychological and behavioral changes as well, which can disturb their lives. Various studies have been conducted on PMS and its effect on an individual with respect to body mass index and exercise, but very few studies are available on the association of diet with PMS. Therefore, we are evaluating the relationship between dietary pattern and PMS morbidity. Aims and Objectives: The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of PMS and its severity in different age groups of women and compare its association with vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted among the staff and students of East Point College of Medical Sciences and Research Center. Data were collected using a well formulated, structured, and pre-tested questionnaire, which had questions on diet patterns and PMS symptoms. Results: PMS was found to be more prevalent in young women (18–25 years) (57%) compared to older women (26–49 years) (43%), and the symptoms were slightly more severe among vegetarians (9%), compared to non-vegetarians (5%). There was no correlation between severity and body mass index. Conclusion: PMS is one of the most common gynecological complaints in young women. Although PMS is not a serious disorder, it can definitely change the quality of life for many women and affect their mental health and productivity. Creating awareness among young adolescents to lead a healthy lifestyle with changes in their diet and physical activity can improve the condition.

Estado nutricional e consumo alimentar de vegetarianos estritos e não estritos / Nutritional status and food consumption of strict and non-strict vegetarians

Introdução: O número de adeptos ao vegetarianismo tem crescido consideravelmente. Observa-se que, entre as vantagens de se adotar uma dieta vegetariana, está o menor risco de desenvolver sobrepeso e obesidade, o que pode estar relacionado com o alto consumo de vegetais e práticas importantes de estilo de vida. Objetivos: Avaliar o estado nutricional e a frequência do consumo alimentar de vegetarianos não estritos e estritos. Métodos: Estudo transversal descritivo, realizado com participantes do grupo "Vegans SLZ", de ambos os sexos e com idade a partir de 18 anos. A coleta de dados ocorreu de janeiro a março de 2020. Foi realizada aplicação de questionários sobre dados de frequência do consumo alimentar, socioeconômico e de estilo de vida e a aferição de medidas de peso corporal, estatura e de percentuais de gordura corporal e massa muscular. Os dados foram tabulados no Excel 2010® e analisados no programa estatístico R Studio versão 3.6.1. Resultados: Dos 43 vegetarianos avaliados, a maioria seguia a dieta vegetariana estrita (55,81%) e era eutrófica (62,79%), 32,56% apresentaram alto percentual de gordura corporal e 53,49% percentual de massa magra corporal normal. Foi frequente o consumo de pães, cereais, tubérculos, leguminosas, oleaginosas, frutas e verduras, e 41% consumiam alimentos industrializados de 4 a 7 vezes por semana. Conclusões: A maioria da amostra tinha estado nutricional eutrófico e consumo regular de todos os grupos alimentares, porém com importante consumo de alimentos industrializados.

Introduction: The number of adherents to vegetarianism has grown considerably. It is observed that, among the advantages of adopting a vegetarian diet, there is a lower risk of developing overweight and obesity, which may be related to the high consumption of vegetables and important lifestyle practices. Objectives: To assess the nutritional status and frequency of food consumption of non-strict and strict vegetarians. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study carried out with participants of the "Vegans SLZ" group, of both sexes and aged 18 years and over. Data collection took place from January to March 2020. Questionnaires were applied to data on frequency of food, socioeconomic and lifestyle consumption and measurements of body weight, height and percentages of body fat and muscle mass were measured. Data were tabulated in Excel 2010® and analyzed in the statistical program R Studio version 3.6.1. Results: Of the 43 vegetarians evaluated, the majority followed the strict vegetarian diet (55.81%) and were eutrophic (62.79%), 32.56% had a high percentage of body fat and 53.49% percentage of lean body mass normal. The consumption of breads, cereals, tubers, legumes, oilseeds, fruits and vegetables was frequent, and 41% consumed processed foods 4 to 7 times a week. Conclusions: Most of the sample had a eutrophic nutritional status and regular consumption of all food groups, but with a significant consumption of industrialized foods.

Análise comparativa da percepção corporal sobre o treinamento entre indivíduos onívoros e vegetarianos / Análisis comparativo de la percepción corporal sobre el entrenamiento entre individuos omnívoros y vegetarianos / Comparative analysis of body perception on training between omnivorous and vegetarian individuals

Dietas vegetarianas vêm sendo cada vez mais adotadas no mundo. Com isso, há uma preocupação com a adequação nutricional e desempenho esportivo crescente entre profissionais de saúde e treinadores. O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar a percepção corporal sobre o treinamento físico entre indivíduos onívoros e vegetarianos e, de forma secundária, comparar a percepção entre as diferentes dietas vegetarianas no desempenho esportivo. A amostra teve um total de 189 participantes (47 do sexo masculino e 142 do sexo feminino), sendo 91 onívoros (31 do sexo masculino e 60 do sexo feminino) e 98 vegetarianos (17 do sexo masculino e 81 do sexo feminino). Foi utilizado o questionário de Percepção do Corpo na Performance Esportiva (Pecopes), constituído por duas dimensões: dimensão 1 = percepção do corpo no desempenho esportivo; dimensão 2 = percepção do corpo no treinamento técnico e tático. Os resultados mostraram uma diferença significativa na dimensão 1 favorável aos vegetarianos quando comparados aos onívoros. O subgrupo ovolactovegetariano também obteve resultado significativamente superior aos onívoros na dimensão 1. Assim, foi possível concluir que os participantes vegetarianos do presente estudo apresentaram uma melhor percepção do corpo no desempenho esportivo comparado com os onívoros, porém não foram encontradas diferenças na percepção do corpo quanto ao treinamento técnico e tático.

Las dietas vegetarianas se adoptan cada vez más en el mundo. Por lo tanto, existe una preocupación por la adecuación nutricional y el aumento del rendimiento deportivo entre los profesionales de la salud y los entrenadores. El objetivo del presente estudio fue analizar la percepción corporal del entrenamiento físico entre individuos omnívoros y vegetarianos y, en segundo lugar, comparar la percepción de diferentes dietas vegetarianas sobre el rendimiento deportivo. La muestra tuvo un total de 189 participantes (47 hombres y 142 mujeres), siendo 91 omnívoros (31 hombres y 60 mujeres) y 98 vegetarianos (17 hombres y 81 mujeres). Se utilizó el cuestionario de Percepción del Cuerpo en el Rendimiento Deportivo (Pecopes), que consta de dos dimensiones: dimensión 1 = percepción del cuerpo en el rendimiento deportivo; dimensión 2 = percepción corporal en el entrenamiento técnico y táctico. Los resultados mostraron una diferencia significativa en la dimensión 1 favorable a los vegetarianos en comparación con los omnívoros. El subgrupo ovolactovegetariano también tuvo un resultado significativamente mayor que los omnívoros en la dimensión 1. Así, fue posible concluir que los participantes vegetarianos en el presente estudio tenían una mejor percepción del cuerpo en el rendimiento deportivo en comparación con los omnívoros, pero no hubo diferencias. que se encuentran en la percepción del cuerpo con respecto al entrenamiento técnico y táctico.

Vegetarian diets are increasingly being adopted around the world. Thus, there is a concern about nutritional adequacy and growing sports performance among health professionals and coaches. This study aimed to analyze the body perception of physical training between omnivorous and vegetarian individuals and, secondarily, to compare the perception of different vegetarian diets on sports performance. The sample had a total of 189 participants (47 males and 142 females), being 91 omnivores (31 males and 60 females) and 98 vegetarians (17 males and 81 females). We used the Body Perception on Sports Performance (Pecopes) questionnaire, which consists of two dimensions: dimension 1 = perception of the body in sports performance; dimension 2 = body perception in technical and tactical training. The results showed a significant difference in dimension 1, favorable to vegetarians when compared to omnivores. The ovolactovegetarian subgroup also obtained a significantly higher result than omnivores in dimension 1. Thus, it was possible to conclude that vegetarian participants in the present study had a better body perception during sports performance compared to omnivores, but there were no differences in body perception regarding technical and tactical training.

Consumo de alimentos, estado nutricional antropométrico, actividad física y motivaciones de vegetarianismo en adultos venezolanos / Food consumption, anthropometric nutritional status, physical activity and motivations for vegetarianism in Venezuelan adults

Introducción: las dietas vegetarianas o que evitan las carnes animales incluyen a las dietas ovolactovegetarianas, veganas, entre otras variantes basadas en plantas. Objetivo: caracterizar el consumo de alimentos, estado nutricional antropométrico, nivel de actividad física y las motivaciones en una muestra de adultos vegetarianos provenientes de los estados Distrito Capital, Yaracuy y Carabobo de Venezuela. Materiales y métodos: fueron evaluados 51 adultos, 23,5% veganos y 76,5% ovolactovegetarianos, con edades entre 18 y 65 años. Se realizó un recordatorio de ingesta de alimentos en 24 horas, se tomaron indicadores de dimensión (IMC y circunferencia de cintura) y composición corporal (área muscular y porcentaje de grasa), se aplicó el instrumento IPAQ largo de actividad física y se preguntó por la principal motivación para seguir estas dietas. Resultados: la dieta resultó deficitaria en calorías (60,8%), baja en carbohidratos (72,5%) y grasas (58,8%), y elevada en proteínas (43,1%) y fibra dietética (70,6%). El estado nutricional antropométrico de los individuos resultó en un peso adecuado (62,7%), muscularidad (51%) y grasa (68,6%) promedio, y riesgo bajo según circunferencia de cintura (86,3%). El nivel de actividad física que prevaleció fue representado por las categorías moderada e intensa con 39,2% cada una. La mayoría decidió seguir la dieta vegetariana por razones de salud 72,5%. Conclusiones: la mayoría del grupo de estudio, a pesar de tener una dieta desequilibrada (baja en carbohidratos y grasas, pero alta en proteínas y fibra), presentó el estado nutricional antropométrico y niveles de actividad física en rangos aceptables(UA)

Introduction: vegetarian diets are diets that avoid animal meat, it includes ovolactovegetarian and vegan diets, among other plant-based variants. Objective: to characterize food consumption, anthropometric nutritional assessment, physical activity level and motivations in a sample of vegetarian adults from the Capital District, Yaracuy and Carabobo states of Venezuela. Materials and methods: 51 adults were evaluated, 23.5% vegan and 76.5% ovo-lacto vegetarian, aged between 18 and 65 years. A 24-hour dietary recall was carried out, indicators of dimension (BMI and waist circumference) and body composition (muscle area and percentage of fat) were taken, the long IPAQ instrument of physical activity was applied and it was asked about the main motivation to follow these diets. Results: the diet was deficient in calories (60.8%), low in carbohydrates (72.5%) and fats (58.8%), and high in proteins (43.1%) and dietary fiber (70.6 %). The anthropometric nutritional assessment of the individuals resulted in an adequate weight (62.7%), average muscularity (51%) and fat (68.6%), and low risk according to waist circumference (86.3%). The level of physical activity that prevailed were the moderate and intense categories with 39.2% each. The majority decided to follow the vegetarian diet for health reasons 72.5%. Conclusions: the majority of the study group, despite having an unbalanced diet (low in carbohydrates and fats, but high in proteins and fiber), presented an anthropometric nutritional status and levels of physical activity within acceptable ranges(AU)

Relatos de vida que elaboran personas vegetarianas sobre el acompañamiento y planificación nutricional

RESUMEN Las dietas vegetarianas pueden proveer beneficios para la salud, prevención y tratamiento de enfermedades, siendo adecuadas en todas las etapas del ciclo vital cuando es correctamente asesorada por un profesional especialista en nutrición, entre los que se encuentran las nutricionistas, a fin de prevenir déficits en nutrientes críticos. Debido a esto, resulta relevante identificar la percepción que elaboran sobre el rol del nutricionista las personas vegetarianas que no han contado con asesoría y planificación nutricional profesional. Se realizó un estudio cualitativo centrado en los relatos de vida, donde participaron 10 personas vegetarianas residentes de Coquimbo y La Serena durante el año 2019, seleccionados mediante un muestreo bola de nieve, lo que implicó producir información cualitativa a través de una entrevista semi estructurada. Posteriormente se utilizó análisis cualitativo de contenido, producto de este análisis surgen dos grandes categorías. Como primera categoría el rol biopsicosocial del profesional nutricionista y segunda categoría sugerencias desde los vegetarianos para la atención. Del análisis se destaca la importancia del profesional nutricionista en el abordaje de personas vegetarianas o veganas, quienes esperan de los profesionales un vínculo efectivo con su comunidad mediante instancias de educación alimentaria, asesorías a bajo costo, el desarrollo de competencias técnicas y personales tales como, la actualización continua y la atención empática. Los hallazgos de este estudio pueden ser tomados como guía para la formación y actualización de profesionales, además de proponer medidas nutricionales en el campo de la salud pública y atención contextualizada a personas vegetarianas.

Abstract Vegetarian diets can provide benefits for health, prevention, and treatment of diseases and are appropriate at all stages of the life, when properly advised by specialists in nutrition, to prevent deficits in critical nutrients. Because of this, it is relevant to identify the perception of the role of the nutritionist among vegetarians who have not received professional nutritional advice and planning. A qualitative study focused on life stories was conducted, where 10 vegetarians living in Coquimbo and La Serena participated during 2019, selected through snowball sampling, which involved producing qualitative information through a semi-structured interview. Subsequently, qualitative content analysis was used, and two main categories emerged from this analysis. The first category was the biopsychosocial role of the professional nutritionist, and the second category was suggestions from vegetarians for care. The analysis highlights the importance of the professional nutritionist in the approach to vegetarians or vegans, who expect from professionals an effective link with their community through instances of food education, low-cost advice, the development of technical and personal skills such as continuous updating and empathetic care. The findings of this study can be taken as a guide for the training and updating of professionals, in addition to proposing nutritional measures in the field of public health and contextualized care for vegetarians.

Vegetarian diet and vitamin B 12 level in Chinese pregnant women / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective:To explore the relationship between vegetarian diets and vitamin B 12 levels in Chinese pregnant women. Methods:A cross-sectional survey was used to explore the relationship between vegetarian diets and vitamin B 12 levels in Chinese pregnant women based on data from the Chinese National Nutrition and Health Surveillance (2015-2017). Maternal serum vitamin B 12 concentration was determined by electrochemiluminescence. Background and diet information of all subjects were collected using general and food frequency questionnaires. General Linear Model was used to analyze the difference in serum vitamin B 12 levels between vegetarian and non-vegetarian pregnant women and multivariate logistic regression for examining the relationship between vegetarian diets and vitamin B 12 deficiency (vitamin B 12<150 pmol/L) in pregnant women. Results:A total of 8 366 pregnant women were included in the analysis, and vegetarians accounted for 1.2% (102/8 366). The median serum vitamin B 12 concentrations were 155.8(93.6-212.4) pmol/L and 187.2(127.4-267.6) pmol/L ( Z=－4.22, P<0.001), and the vitamin B 12 deficiency rates were 48.0% (49/102) and 35.0% (2 896/8 264) in vegetarian and non-vegetarian women, respectively. The vitamin B 12 deficiency rate in vegetarian women was 0.89-fold higher than in non-vegetarians (95% CI: 1.24-2.89). Among the vegetarian and non-vegetarian pregnant women, vitamin B 12 deficiency rates during the first, second, and third trimesters were 34.8%(16/46), 54.3%(19/35), 66.7%(14/21), and 20.4%(521/2 559), 32.6%(941/2 886), 50.9%(1 430/2 807), noting for an increasing trend ( Z=23.54 and 2.57, P=0.010 and P<0.001). Conclusions:Vegetarian pregnant women are at high risk of vitamin B 12 deficiency. Compared with non-vegetarian women, vegetarian pregnant women in China have lower vitamin B 12 levels and a higher risk of vitamin B 12 deficiency. Moreover, the risk of vitamin B 12 deficiency will gradually increase during pregnancy.

Vegetarianismo entre ingressantes de uma universidade pública no sul do Brasil, 2018 / Vegetarianismo entre estudiantes de primer año en una universidad pública del sur de Brasil, 2018 / Vegetarianism among first-year students at a public university in Southern Brazil, 2018

Objetivo: Analisar a prevalência de vegetarianismo e fatores associados em estudantes de uma universidade pública no sul do Brasil. Métodos: Estudo transversal realizado em 2017-2018, incluindo ingressantes universitários. Questionário foi aplicado para avaliar o tipo de dieta (onívora ou vegetariana). Regressão logística foi utilizada para estimar razões de odds (RO) e intervalos de confiança de 95% (IC95%). Resultados: De 2.706 indivíduos elegíveis, 1.841 fizeram parte da amostra. O tipo de dieta predominante foi a onívora (93,6%), seguida por ovolactovegetariana (5,4%), vegetariana estrita (0,7%), ovovegetariana (0,2%) e lactovegetariana (0,1%). Mulheres (RO=0,58 - IC95% 0,38;0,89), ingressantes que referiram uso prejudicial de álcool (RO=2,02 - IC95% 1,34;3,04) e matriculados na área de Linguística, Letras e Artes - comparados aos matriculados em Ciências Sociais Aplicadas e Humanas (RO=2,59 - IC95% 1,42;4,71) - tiveram maior chance de serem vegetarianos. Conclusão: A dieta vegetariana associou-se ao sexo feminino, uso de álcool e ingresso em cursos de linguística, letras e artes.

Objetivos: Identificar la prevalencia del vegetarianismo y factores asociados entre estudiantes de una universidad pública en el sur del Brasil. Métodos: Estudio transversal realizado entre 2017-2018, incluyendo a estudiantes de primer año de una universidad pública. Se aplicó el cuestionario para evaluar el tipo de dieta (omnívora o vegetariana). Se utilizó la regresión logística para verificar factores asociados (demográficos, socioeconómicos, curso, comportamientos relacionados con la salud y estado nutricional) e intervalos de confianza de 95% (IC95%). Resultados: De 2,706 individuos elegibles, 1,841 hicieron parte de la muestra. El tipo de dieta predominante fue omnívora (93.6%), seguida de ovolactovegetariana (5.4%), vegetariana estricta (0.7%), ovo vegetariana (0.2%) y lactovegetariana (0.1%). Mujeres (RO=0,58 - IC95% 0,38;0,89), estudiantes que relataron uso perjudicial de alcohol (RO=2.02 - IC95% 1.34;3.04) e inscritos en Lingüística, Letras y Artes fueron más propensos a ser vegetarianos comparados con los inscritos en Ciencias Sociales Aplicadas y Humanas (RO=2,59 - IC95% 1,42;4,71). Conclusión: la dieta vegetariana se asoció al sexo femenino, consumo de alcohol y al ingreso a cursos de Lingüística, Letras y Artes.

Objective: To identify vegetarianism prevalence and associated factors among students at a public university in Southern Brazil. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out in 2017-2018 with first-year university students. A questionnaire was administered to assess diet type (omnivorous or vegetarian). Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Results: Of 2,706 eligible individuals, 1,841 formed part of the sample. The predominant type of diet was omnivorous (93.6%), followed by lacto-ovo vegetarian (5.4%), strict vegetarian (0.7%), ovo vegetarian (0.2%) and lacto vegetarian (0.1%). Females (OR=0.58 - 95%CI 0.38;0.89), students reporting harmful use of alcohol (OR=2.02 - 95%CI 1.34;3.04) and students enrolled in Linguistics, Modern Languages and Arts courses - compared to those enrolled in Applied Social Sciences and Humanities courses (OR=2.59 - 95%CI 1.42;4.71) - were more likely to be vegetarians. Conclusion: Vegetarian diet was associated with the female sex, alcohol use, and taking linguistics, modern language and arts courses.

Physical Activity Levels of Malaysian Vegetarians and Its Associated Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study

@#Introduction: Literatures suggest that insufficient physical activity as one of the contributors to non-communicable chronic diseases; nevertheless, data on the physical activity level is sparsely reported among individuals practising a vegetarian diet in Malaysia. The current study aims to determine the prevalence of insufficient physical activity and its association with socio-demographic factors, lifestyle factors and body weight status among 273 individuals practising a vegetarian diet in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Methods: A set of self-administered questionnaire was distributed to all vegetarians and their data on physical activity was determined using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). Results: The average years of practising vegetarianism was 14.2±9.6 years, and most of the vegetarians were practised ovo-vegetarian diet (44.0%). A majority of them were Chinese (54.9%) and female (64.8%), with an average age of 47.5 ± 13.1 years. The prevalence of overweight and obesity were 27.5% and 8.1%, respectively. According to GPAQ, about two in five vegetarians (46.2%) were having insufficient physical activity. Being females, older age, Chinese, married individuals, and those with high total household income level were found to be significantly associated with low physical activity level among Malaysian vegetarians (p<0.05). Conclusion: Since insufficient physical activity is one of the factors contributing to non-communicable chronic diseases, it is crucial to educate the importance of physical activity on overall health status, specifically for those who at risk of physically inactive. In addition, future studies can focus the causal associations based on the currently identified factors and physical activity levels, which can help to develop an effective intervention program among Malaysia vegetarians.

Factors associated with anemia among female adult vegetarians in Malaysia

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: A large number of studies on anemia have focused mostly on pregnant women or children. The vegetarian population, which is another potential risk group for anemia, remains largely unexplored. Therefore, this cross-sectional study examined the associations of the sociodemographic, lifestyle, nutritional, and psychological factors with the anemia status among female adult vegetarians. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A total of 177 female vegetarians were recruited from a Buddhist and Hindu organization in Selangor, Malaysia. The participants completed a self-administered questionnaire, which analyzed their sociodemographic characteristics, physical activity level, sleep quality, depression, anxiety, and stress. The body weight, height, waist circumference, and body fat percentage of the participants were also measured. A 3-day dietary recall was conducted to assess their dietary intake. Blood samples (3 ml) were withdrawn by a nurse from each participant to determine the hemoglobin (Hb) level. RESULTS: The findings revealed 28.2% of the participants to be anemic. The age group (AOR = 2.46, 95% CI = 1.19–5.05), marital status (AOR = 2.69, 95% CI = 1.27–5.71), and percentage of energy from protein (AOR = 5.52, 95% CI = 1.41–21.65) were the significant predictors of anemia. CONCLUSIONS: Anemia is a public health problem among female vegetarians in this study. Health promotion programs that target female adult vegetarians should be conducted to manage and prevent anemia, particularly among those who are married, aged 50 and below, and with an inadequate protein intake.

Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome and Framingham Risk Score in Apparently Healthy Vegetarian and Omnivorous Men / Prevalência de Síndrome Metabólica e Escore de Risco de Framingham em Homens Vegetarianos e Onívoros Aparentemente Saudáveis

Abstract Background: Recent studies have shown a lower prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MSyn) in vegetarians (VEG) despite the inconclusive evidence from others. Objective: To verify the association between diet and other lifestyle characteristics and the prevalence of MSyn, cardiovascular risk factors (CRF), and Framingham Risk Score (FRS) in apparently healthy VEG and omnivorous (OMN) men. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 88 apparently healthy men ≥ 35 years, 44 VEG and 44 OMN, were assessed for anthropometric data, blood pressure, blood lipids, glucose, C-reactive protein (CRP) and FRS. To test the association between lifestyle and MSyn, Student t test, chi-square test, and multiple logistic regression model were used. A significance level of 5% was considered in all statistical analyses. Results: Several CRF were significantly lower in VEG than in OMN: body mass index, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, fasting serum total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, apolipoprotein b, glucose, and glycated hemoglobin (all p < 0.05). The FRS mean was lower in VEG than in OMN (2.98 ± 3.7 vs 4.82 ± 4.8, p = 0.029). The percentage of individuals with MSyn was higher among OMN than among VEG (52.3 vs.15.9%) (p < 0.001). The OMN diet was associated with MSyn (OR: 6.28 95%CI 2.11-18.71) and alterations in most MSyn components in the multiple regression model independently of caloric intake, age and physical activity. Conclusion: The VEG diet was associated with lower CRF, FRS and percentage of individuals with MSyn.

Resumo Fundamento: Estudos recentes mostraram menor prevalência de Síndrome Metabólica (SM) em vegetarianos (VEG), apesar de evidências inconclusivas de outros. Objetivo: Verificar associação entre dieta e características do estilo de vida e a prevalência de SM, fatores de risco cardiovascular (FRCV) e Escore de Framingham (EF) em homens VEG e onívoros (ONI) aparentemente saudáveis. Métodos: Neste estudo transversal, 88 homens aparentemente saudáveis ≥ 35 anos, VEG (n = 44) e ONI (n = 44), foram avaliados quanto a dados antropométricos, pressão arterial, lípides plasmáticos, glicemia, proteína C reativa e EF. Para testar associação entre estilo de vida e SM, o teste t de Student, o teste qui-quadrado e a regressão logística múltipla foram utilizados. Foi considerado nível de significância de 5% em todas as análises estatísticas. Resultados: Os níveis dos FRCV avaliados foram menores nos VEG do que nos ONI: índice de massa corporal, pressão arterial sistólica e diastólica, colesterol total, LDL-colesterol, apolipoproteína b, glicemia e hemoglobina glicada (p < 0,05). O EF foi menor nos VEG do que nos ONI (2,98 ± 3,7 vs. 4,82 ± 4,8; p = 0,029). A porcentagem de indivíduos com SM foi maior entre ONI do que entre VEG (52,3 vs.15,9%) (p < 0,001). A dieta ONI foi associada com a SM (OR: 6,28 IC95% 2,11-18,71) e alterações na maioria dos componentes da SM no modelo de regressão logística múltipla, independentemente de ingestão calórica, idade e atividade física. Conclusão: A dieta VEG foi associada com menores taxas de FRC e menores EF e porcentagem de indivíduos com SM.

Comparative Study of Serum Leptin and Insulin Resistance Levels Between Korean Postmenopausal Vegetarian and Non-vegetarian Women

The present study was conducted to compare serum leptin and insulin resistance levels between Korean postmenopausal long-term semi-vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Subjects of this study belonged to either a group of postmenopausal vegetarian women (n = 54), who maintained a semi-vegetarian diet for over 20 years or a group of non-vegetarian controls. Anthropometric characteristics, serum leptin, serum glucose, serum insulin, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR; Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance), and nutrient intake were compared between the two groups. The vegetarians showed significantly lower body weight (p < 0.01), body mass index (p < 0.001), percentage (%) of body fat (p < 0.001), and serum levels of leptin (p < 0.05), glucose (p < 0.001), and insulin (p < 0.01), than the non-vegetarians. The HOMA-IR of the vegetarians was significantly lower than that of the non-vegetarians (p < 0.01) after adjustment for the % of body fat. A long-term vegetarian diet might be related to lower insulin resistance independent of the % of body fat in postmenopausal women.

Estado nutricional, estilo de vida e risco cardiovascular de ovolactovegetarianos e onívoros / Nutritional status, lifestyle and cardiovascular risk in lacto-ovo vegetarians and omnivores

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar características sócioeconômicas, estilo de vida, consumo alimentar, estado nutricional e o risco cardiovascular através de indicadores antropométricos de obesidade central de ovolactovegetarianos e onívoros. Para cada ovolactovegetariano foram selecionados dois onívoros de mesmo sexo e idade semelhante, visando ao pareamento das amostras nesses critérios e ao aumento do poder dos testes estatísticos. A amostra foi composta por 87 indivíduos, sendo 29 ovolactovegetarianos e 58 onívoros, com média geral de idade de 40 + 13 anos e 58,6% do sexo masculino. Dentro das características socioeconômicas, apenas o número de moradores por domicílio diferiu; os ovolactovegetarianos apresentaram um percentual maior na categoria de 5 ou mais pessoas. Quanto ao estilo de vida, os grupos diferiram apenas no hábito do tabagismo (p < 0,001), onde os onívoros apresentaram maior proporção de fumantes. Não houve diferença significativa nos valores médios entre os grupos em nenhuma das variáveis antropométricas estudadas. Nas variáveis de consumo, não foi encontrada diferença na ingestão calórica, porém o consumo de proteínas, lipídios totais, gordura saturada e colesterol foram maiores na dieta dos onívoros. Já o consumo de carboidratos e fibras foi maior nos ovolactovegetarianos. O presente estudo sugere que embora o perfil de consumo alimentar entre os ovolactovegetarianos seja considerado mais saudável, pelo menor consumo de gordura total, ácidos graxos saturados e colesterol, quando o estilo de vida e o consumo calórico total são semelhantes não há diferenças significativas no estado nutricional e nos indicadores antropométricos de risco cardiovascular.

The aim of the present study was to assess socioeconomic characteristics, dietary intake, nutritional status and cardiovascular risk (using anthropometric indicators of central obesity) in lacto-ovo vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Two non-vegetarians were selected for each vegetarian (paired for gender and age) in order to increase the power of the statistical tests. The sample was made up of 87 individuals (58.6% males; 29 vegetarians and 58 non-vegetarians) with a mean age of 40 + 13 years. Among the socioeconomic characteristics, only the number of residents per household differed between groups, with a greater percentage of homes with five or more residents in the vegetarian group. Concerning lifestyle, the groups differed with regard to smoking habits (p < 0.001), with a higher proportion of smokers among the non-vegetarians. There were no significant differences between groups in any of the anthropometric variables studied. Concerning dietary intake, no difference between groups was found with regard to total calorie intake, but the consumption of proteins, total lipids, saturated fat and cholesterol was higher among the non-vegetarians, whereas carbohydrate and fiber intake was higher among the vegetarians. The results of the present study suggest that, although a lacto-ovo vegetarian diet is considered healthier due to the lower consumption of total fat, saturated fatty acids and cholesterol, there are no significant differences in nutritional status or anthropometric indicators of cardiovascular risk when lifestyle and total calorie intake are similar.

The Study of Pytoestrogen Intake and Bone Mineral Density of Vegetarian and Nonvegetarian Postmenopausal Women / 대한지역사회영양학회지

There is some evidence that phytostrogen plays an important role in bone metabolism in postmenopausal women. In this study, we investigated the phytoestrogen intake levels and the relation between dietary phytoestrogens intake and bone mineral density of vegetarian (n = 77) and omnivore postmenopausal women (n = 122). Vegetarian women, all of them were seven day adventists, who had been on vegetarian diet (almost lacto-ovo vegetarians;a few vegans) over 20 yrs. The average age of vegetarians and omnivores were 62.3 yrs and 60.2 yrs, respectively and, there was no significant difference. However, body weight (p < 0.001), body mass index (p < 0.001) of vegetarians were significantly lower than those of omnivores. The mean daily energy intake of vegetarians and omnivores were 1386.1 kcal (76.3% of RDA) and 1424.5 kcal (76.9% of RDA), respectively. The mean calcium intake of vegetarians (456.7 mg, 66.3 % of RDA) was not significantly different from that of omnivores (453.5 mg, 65.2 % of RDA). The mean daily isoflavones (daidzein + genistein) intake of vegetarians and omnivore were 33.9 mg and 23.9 mg, respectively. The vegetarians consumed significantly greater quantities of isoflavones (p < 0.05) and lignans precursor (p < 0.05). In the vegetarians, intake of isoflavones was significantly positively correlated with BMD of femoral neck, after adjusted for age and BMI. Also lignan precursor intake of vegetarians was significantly positively correlated with BMD of spine, after adjusted for age and BMI. In conclusion, in omnivore post menopausal women, intake of phytoestrogen such as isoflavones and lignans was little low, and it is not clear that positive association with bone mineral density. But in vegetarian postmenopausal women, phytoestrogen intakes be important factors related to bone mineral density.

Comparison of Nutrient Intakes, Bone Metabolism and Risk Factors of Chronic Diseases between Postmenopausal Lacto-Ovo-Vegetarian and Omnivores in Kyunggi-Do / 대한지역사회영양학회지

The amount and type of dietary protein that effects affect bone mineral loss after menopause and different dietary patterns may influence anthropometric measurements, biochemical values, and bone metabolism. Objective : Our objective was to investigate bone metabolism and chronic disease factors in two different dietary patterns. Design: The sample consisted of 40 lacto-ove-vegetarians(LOV) and 49 omnivores aged from 47 to 85 years in good condition without any medical problems. Results : The average energy intake of LOV was 1414.0 kcal and omnivores, 1403.2 kcal. The difference between means was not statistically significant. The differences of means of body weight and BMI between the two groups were not significant but the systolic blood pressure of LOV group was significantly lower than omniovores(p0.05) and plant iron(p0.05) and animal iron(p>0.05) had negative correlations with the urinary pH. The level of urinary biochemical marker of bone resorption, deoxpyidinoline(DPD) of LOV was significantly lower than the other group(p>0.05). The T-scores of bone mineral density for the two sites in the two groups were not significantly different. Conclusions : The DPD level and urinary pH value of LOV were more desirable for the bone metabolism that the omnivores. The diet of LOV had lower risk factors of chronic diseases than the other group.

Serum zinc and copper levels in vegetarians.

Zine (Zn) and copper (Cu) are important trace elements that play a vital role in biochemical and physiological function in humans. However, vegetarians comprise a population at risk for Zn deficiency because of a marginal Zn intake and the low availability of Zn in vegetarian diets. The objective of the present study was to determine serum Zn, Cu and vitamin B12 levels in 35 vegetarians, and to correlate all these parameters. Results showed that serum Zn, Cu and Zn/Cu ratio in 120 control subjects were in the same order of magnitude as those in results reported previously. By contrast, the serum Zn levels in the 35 vegetarians was found to be significantly lower than that of the control subjects (p<0.01) The serum Cu level and Zn/Cu ratio in these vegetarians were within normal limits. No correlations between serum Zn and Cu, or between serum vitamin B12 level and serum Zn and Cu were demonstrated. The low serum Zn concentration in vegetarians was probably due to low dietary Zn intake and the depressed absorption of Zn from the vegetarians, diet which was high in phytate and/or fiber. Although serum vitamin B12 concentration was also decreased, there was no relationship between this vitamin and serum Zn level. Therefore, there was no connection between serum vitamin B12 and serum Zn or Cu in these vegetarians.