Alimentación basada en plantas: la nueva tendencia nutricional / Plant-based diets: the new nutritional trend

En la actualidad cada vez más familias optan por seguir una alimentación basada en plantas (ABP). Es fundamental que pediatras y agentes de salud conozcan estos tipos de patrones alimentarios para asesorar adecuadamente a sus pacientes y derivarlos oportunamente a especialistas capacitados con el objetivo de garantizar un adecuado crecimiento y desarrollo principalmente en la edad pediátrica, evitando posibles consecuencias negativas sobre la salud. La mayoría de las sociedades científicas del mundo considera a las dietas vegetarianas apropiadas para todas las etapas de la vida si están correctamente planificadas, suplementadas y con un seguimiento adecuado por especialistas capacitados. Con respecto a las dietas veganas existen controversias por parte de las distintas sociedades con respecto a si son adecuadas o no en pediatría. Recientemente se han revisado las descripciones respecto a las tipificaciones de una ABP y se ha propuesto una definición estándar de estos tipos de dieta. Los riesgos más significativos asociados a la mala planificación de estas dietas son las deficiencias de calcio, vitamina D y vitamina B12, aunque también se debe tener en cuenta el estado del zinc, selenio, yodo y los ácidos grasos Omega 3. Es importante la planificación diaria de un plato nutricionalmente completo y es incuestionable que quienes siguen estos patrones alimentarios reciban suplementos con vitamina B12 adecuados para cada etapa de la vida. Se requieren más estudios en pediatría para evaluar los efectos de las distintas ABP sobre la ingesta de nutrientes, el estado nutricional, el crecimiento, desarrollo y la prevención de enfermedades no transmisibles (AU)

Currently, an increasing number of families are choosing to follow a plant-based diet (PBD). It is essential that pediatricians and healthcare agents know these types of dietary patterns in order to properly advise their patients and refer them to trained specialists to ensure adequate growth and development, especially in the pediatric age, avoiding possible negative health consequences. Most of the world's scientific societies consider vegetarian diets appropriate for all stages of life if they are adequately planned, supplemented and monitored by trained specialists. However, there is controversy among different societies regarding the appropriateness of vegan diets for children. Recently, there has been a review of descriptions concerning the characteristics of a plant-based diet, leading to a proposed standard definition for these types of diets. The most significant risks associated with poorly planned diets are calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 deficiencies, although zinc, selenium, iodine and omega-3 fatty acid status should also be considered. The daily planning of a nutritionally complete meal is important and it is imperative that those who follow these dietary patterns receive vitamin B12 supplementation appropriate for each stage of life. Further studies in children are needed to evaluate the effects of different PBDs on nutrient intake, nutritional status, growth, development, and prevention of noncommunicable diseases (AU)

Evaluación de la ingesta de calcio en mujeres pre-menopáusicas consumidoras de alimentación basada en plantas correspondiente al área metropolitana de Buenos Aires / Evaluation of calcium intake in pre-menopausal women consuming a plant-based diet in the Buenos Aires metropolitan area

El calcio es uno de los nutrientes esenciales para la salud ósea. Objetivos: evaluar la ingesta de calcio en un grupo de mujeres pre-menopáusicas consumidoras de alimentación basada en plantas (ABP). Materiales y métodos: un grupo de mujeres premenopáusicas entre 30 y 45 años consumidoras de ABP fueron invitadas a participar. Para la evaluación de ingesta se empleó un recordatorio alimentario de 24 horas. Se utilizó la Encuesta Nacional de Nutrición y Salud (ENNyS, 2007) como información relevada disponible de ingesta de calcio en nuestra población. En un subgrupo de participantes se evaluó la densidad mineral ósea (DMO) de columna lumbar (L1-L4) por el método de absorciometría de rayos X (DXA), mientras que la microarquitectura fue estudiada a través del trabecular bone score (TBS). Resultados: se incluyeron 30 mujeres con un tiempo de adherencia promedio (X±DS) a la ABP 5,6±4 años, edad de 35,6±4 años, y un índice de masa corporal (IMC) de 23.,7±3 kg/m2. Una ingesta diaria de calcio promedio (IC al 95%) de 980 mg (639 mg-1320 mg) fue observada en las mujeres vegetarianas, mientras que en las veganas fue de 772 mg (460 mg-1085 mg), lo que resulta superior a la de la población general (406 mg). Una correlación positiva fue observada entre DMO e IMC (r=0,990; p=0,01) pero no entre DMO e ingesta de calcio. Conclusiones: en esta cohorte de mujeres premenopáusicas consumidoras de ABP, las vegetarianas y el 96,5% de las veganas cubrieron el requerimiento promedio estimado. La adecuada planificación de la ABP permite evitar deficiencias nutricionales que afecten la salud ósea. (AU)

Calcium is one of the essential nutrients intervening in bone health. Objective: To assess calcium intake in a group of premenopausal women consumers of a plant-based diet (PBD). Materials and methods: Premenopausal women between 30 and 45 y/o consumers of a PBD were invited to participate. A 24-hour food reminder was provided for the intake evaluation. Argentina's National Nutrition and Health Survey (ENNyS, 2007) was used as available information on calcium intake in our population. In a participants' subset, the bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine (L1-L4) was evaluated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), while the trabecular bone score (TBS) was used to study the microarchitecture. Results: The study included 30 women with an average adherence time (X±DS) to PBD of 5.6±4 years, of 35.6±4 years and a body mass index (BMI) of 23.7±3kg/m2. An average daily calcium intake (95% CI) of 980mg (639 mg-1.320mg) was observed in vegetarian women, while in vegan women it was 772 mg (460mg-1.085mg), higher than the general population (406 mg). A positive correlation was observed between BMD and BMI (r=0.990; p=0.01), though not between BMD and calcium intake. Conclusions: In this cohort of premenopausal women consuming a PBD, the vegetarians and 96.5% of vegans met the estimated average requirement. An appropriate planning of the PBD prevents nutritional deficiencies that may affect bone health. (AU)

Alimentación basada en plantas en pacientes pediátricos: aporte de potasio y su rol en la enfermedad renal crónica / Plant-based diet in pediatric patients: potassium dietary intake and its role in chronic kidney disease

Resumen Introducción: la enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) se asocia a complicaciones como la hiperpotasemia, que pueden afectar la calidad de vida de los niños que la padecen. Así la alimentación basada en plantas (ABP) cobra relevancia ya que muchos de los alimentos incluidos son fuentes de potasio (K) entre ellos: vegetales, frutas y legumbres. Sin embargo, realizar restricciones severas en estos grupos, podría asociarse a déficits nutricionales que pongan en riesgo el crecimiento y desarrollo de niños con ERC. Objetivos: describir el rol de la ABP y su aporte de K en el abordaje nutricional de pacientes pediátricos con ERC. Materiales y método: se realizó una revisión narrativa de artículos científicos publicados desde el año 2013 a 2023, utilizando las bases de datos: PUBMED, Scielo y el buscador Google Académico. Resultados: la ABP se asocia a beneficios como disminuir la progresión de la ERC, ser precursora de compuestos alcalinos, mejorar el tránsito y la microbiota intestinal. La ingesta de K a través de la ABP no tendría una relación directa con su concentración sérica. Sin embargo, se sugiere disminuir el consumo de productos ultraprocesados y considerar los factores no alimentarios que inciden en la potasemia, como primera medida. Clasificar los alimentos según la relación k/fibra permitiría incluir una mayor variedad. Los resultados referidos a las pérdidas de K por lixiviación no son concluyentes. Conclusiones: el abordaje nutricional de la ERC a través de una ABP tendría un impacto positivo que permitiría mejorar el control de la patología y disminuir la aparición de sus complicaciones. Se destaca el rol del Lic. en Nutrición en el asesoramiento respecto a la incorporación de alimentos según el perfil de nutrientes aportados, las características de sus componentes y su impacto en el metabolismo.

Abstract Introduction: chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with complications such as hyperkalemia, which can affect the quality of life of children who suffer from it. Thus, the plant-based diet (PBD) becomes relevant since many of the foods included are sources of potassium (K) such as vegetables, fruits and legumes. However, severe restrictions in these groups could be associated with nutritional deficits that jeopardize the growth and development of children with CKD. Objectives: to describe the role of PBD and its contribution of K in the dietary management of pediatric patients with CKD. Materials and method: a narrative review of scientific articles published from 2013 to 2023 was carried out, using the databases: PUBMED, Scielo and the Google Scholar search engine. Results: PBD is associated with benefits such as slowing the progression of CKD, being a precursor of alkaline compounds, improving transit and intestinal microbiota. The intake of K through PBD would not have a direct relationship with its serum concentration. However, it is suggested to reduce the consumption of ultra-processed products and consider the non-food factors that affect potassium, as a first measure. Classifying foods according to the k/fiber ratio would allow for greater variety. The results regarding K leaching losses are inconclusive. Conclusions: the nutritional approach to CKD through a PBD would have a positive impact that would improve the control of the pathology and reduce the appearance of its complications. The role of the nutritionist in advising on the incorporation of foods according to the profile of nutrients provided, the characteristics of their components and their impact on metabolism is highlighted.

Development of a plant-based culinary nutrition model for sports science students

@#Introduction: Food and fitness levels are key factors required to maintain functional life. Hence, nutrition education is crucial in spreading awareness among Sports Science students. There is a paucity of plant-based nutrition knowledge and plantbased culinary skills for fitness locally. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a valid Plant-Based Culinary Nutrition Model (PBCNM) with nutrition knowledge and basic culinary skills to improve fitness among Sports Science students. Methods: This exploratory sequential mixed method study consisted of 2 phases. In Phase 1, a three-round modified Delphi method was conducted with 13 experts to generate a questionnaire that was validated. Lawshe worksheet determined the content validity ratio (CVR) for an item. Content validity index (CVI) for each section and the overall instrument was calculated. In Phase 2, quantitative data collection and analysis addressed the research questions and research gaps leading to model development. A total of 271 undergraduate Sports Science students at higher learning institutions were recruited as respondents. Results: In Phase 1, CVR of the overall survey was 1.0 and CVI was 0.834. Subsequently, the questionnaire was pilot tested for reliability and a Cronbach’s alpha score of 0.836 was obtained for the overall questionnaire. In Phase 2, the respondents’ mean and standard deviation score for the model’s components and needs was 4.21±0.73 for items 1-15. The integration of experts’ perspectives on the need of PBCNM for fitness and feedback from respondents resulted in the development of PBCNM. Conclusion: This study highlighted PBCNM as a helpful guideline for better fitness management.

The Role of Diet in the Pathogenesis of Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED), characterized by a man’s constant or recurrent disability to obtain and/or maintain penile erection sufficient to achieve and complete satisfactory sexual intercourse, is a common ailment. Its incidence and prevalence increases with age. ED is caused by several factors -psychological factors, organic factors, and metabolic factors. ED may also be iatrogenic and related to some drugs, pelvic surgery, or radiotherapy. The main etiology is vascular in nature, with risk factors that are common to other cardiovascular diseases. Several drugs, mechanical and prosthetic devices, and surgical procedures are used to alleviate ED. Lifestyle modulation is increasingly being added as first-line treatments for ED. These include lack of physical activity and cigarette smoking. Obesity and an unhealthy quality of diet are also lifestyles that affect ED. This manuscript narratively reviews the impact of excessive caloric intake, various dietary ingredients, and special diets on ED.

Diet and Cardiovascular Disease: Venous Thrombo-embolism

Venous thromboembolism is responsible for considerable morbidity and mortality. It is estimated to be the second most common medical complication, the second most common cause of prolonged hospitalisation, and the third most common cause of excess mortality. Recurrences are common. Anticoagulation is usually given for three months. However, inefficiency and major bleeding is often noted. External compression devices and balloon or direct thrombectomy and insertion of inferior vena cava filters are also available. Increasing data indicate that diet may play an important role in preventing venous thromboembolism. Obesity, which is significantly related to diet, may contribute to 30% of all venous thromboembolism cases. Further, plant-based diets, such as the Mediterranean, prudent, and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diets are related to a lower incidence of venous thromboembolism. This manuscript reviews the published literature on the relationship of various dietary components and dietary patterns, and their impact on the development and progression of venous thromboembolism.

¿Qué es la Medicina del Estilo de Vida y por qué la necesitamos? / What is Lifestyle Medicine and why do we need it?

Medicina del Estilo de Vida (MEV), se define como la práctica basada en la evidencia, de asistir a individuos y familias en la adopción y mantención de conductas que mejoran la salud y calidad de vida, tales como alimentación saludable, realización de actividad física periódica, sueño reparador, manejo del estrés, cese del uso de sustancias tóxicas y una sólida red de apoyo social. Esta disciplina de la medicina, ha demostrado ser efectiva en la prevención, manejo y a veces reversión de las patologías que conllevan la mayor morbimortalidad global, tales como hipertensión arterial, diabetes mellitus tipo 2, enfermedad coronaria y obesidad. Es más, se estima que el 80% de las enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles podrían prevenirse llevando un estilo de vida más saludable. Ciertas barreras estructurales han hecho que la incorporación de la MEV en las mallas curriculares universitarias y establecimientos de salud sea más lenta de lo esperado, sin embargo, cada vez son más las instituciones académicas y prestadoras de salud que adoptan los principios de la MEV, y la aparición de sociedades médicas relacionadas a esta disciplina en casi todos los continentes, están acelerando el paso hacia una medicina más focalizada en tratar las causas de la enfermedad, en lugar de centrarse en lo sintomático

Lifestyle Medicine (LM) is the evidence based practice of assisting individuals and families to adopt and sustain behaviors that can improve health and quality of life. These include healthy diet, participating in regular physical activity, having good quality sleep, managing stress, avoiding risky substance abuse and building strong social connections. LM has demonstrated its effectiveness at preventing, managing and sometimes reversing the diseases that globally carry the biggest morbidity and mortality burden, such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease and obesity. More so, it is estimated that 80% of non-communicable chronic diseases could be avoided by living a healthier lifestyle. Certain structural barriers have made LM's incorporation into the medical curriculum and clinical practice slower than expected, however, more and more academic institutions and healthcare providers are adopting LM's principles. The appearance of medical associations related to this discipline in almost every continent is accelerating the pace towards a medicine that is more centered on the root-causes of disease, rather than focusing on symptoms

Dietas basadas en plantas y factores de riesgo cardio-metabólicos. ¿Qué dice la evidencia?

RESUMEN Las dietas basadas en plantas (DBP) se caracterizan por una alta ingesta de alimentos de origen vegetal y evitan parcial o totalmente los productos animales. El objetivo de esta revisión fue recopilar evidencia sobre DBP, sus tipos y su efecto en principales factores de riesgo cardio-metabólicos (FRCM) modificables. Se encontró que existen DBP saludables y no saludables. Algunas DBP saludables son: vegetariana, mediterránea y DASH (sigla en inglés de la dieta Enfoques Alimenticios para Detener la Hipertensión). Estas promueven la ingesta de alimentos de origen vegetal "saludables" (frutas, verduras, legumbres, semillas, frutos secos, cereales integrales, palta, aceite de oliva y/o canola) y, una reducción gradual de todos los alimentos de origen animal, especialmente carnes rojas y procesadas; evitando alimentos de origen vegetal "menos saludables" (cereales refinados, fritos, productos de pastelería, alimentos con azúcar añadido). Las DBP no saludables, se caracterizan por una alta ingesta de estos alimentos "menos saludables", y se asocian con mayor riesgo cardiovascular, por el bajo aporte de antioxidantes, micronutrientes, fibra dietética y grasas insaturadas. DBP saludables pueden disminuir el riesgo de diabetes tipo 2, hipertensión arterial, sobrepeso y obesidad. Han mostrado mayores beneficios cardiovasculares en comparación con dietas tradicionales, reduciendo significativamente: HbA1c y glicemia en ayunas en diabéticos; presión arterial sistólica y diastólica en hipertensos y prehipertensos; índice de masa corporal en sujetos con sobrepeso/obesidad y mejorando el perfil lipídico en sujetos con dislipidemia. Patrones de DBP saludables, como el tipo vegetariano, mediterráneo y DASH son recomendadas para prevenir y tratar los FRCM.

ABSTRACT Plant-based diets (PBD) are characterized by a high intake of foods of plant origin and the partial or total avoidance of animal products. The objective of the current study was to compile the evidence on types of PBD and its effect on the main modifiable cardio-metabolic risk factors (CMRF). Healthy and unhealthy PBD were found to exist. Some healthy PBDs were: vegetarian, mediterranean and DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension). These promote the intake of "healthy" plant-based foods (fruits, vegetables, legumes, seeds, nuts, whole grains, avocado, olive oil and / or canola) and a gradual reduction of all foods of animal origin, especially red and processed meats; avoiding "less healthy" plant-based foods (refined, fried cereals, pastry products, foods with added sugar). Unhealthy PBDs were characterized by a high intake of these "less healthy" foods, and are associated with greater cardiovascular risk, due to the low contribution of antioxidants, micronutrients, dietary fiber and unsaturated fats. Healthy PBDs can lower the risk of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, being overweight, and obesity. They have shown greater cardiovascular benefits compared to traditional diets, significantly reducing: HbA1c and fasting glycemia in diabetics; systolic and diastolic blood pressure in hypertensive and prehypertensive patients; body mass index in overweight / obese subjects and improves lipid profile in subjects with dyslipidemia. Healthy PBD patterns, such as vegetarian, Mediterranean, and DASH are recommended to prevent and treat CMRF.

Revisión bibliográfica: alimentación vegetariana en la infancia y adolescencia / Vegetarian diet in childhood and adolescence

RESUMEN Introducción: la popularidad de las dietas vegetarianas y veganas está aumentando en países occidentales y son adoptadas por niños, niñas y adolescentes (NNyA). Las principales asociaciones de nutrición y dietética del mundo avalan este tipo de práctica alimentaria en estos grupos etáreos si son supervisados y acompañados por profesionales idóneos. Objetivo: tomar posicionamiento como Asociación Argentina de Dietistas y Nutricionistas Dietistas acerca de la implementación de dietas vegetarianas en edad pediátrica y adolescencia, considerando recomendaciones basadas en evidencias científicas. Materiales y método: revisión y actualización bibliográfica, no sistemática con búsquedas en Google Scholar, PudMed y Medline entre diciembre 2018 y marzo 2019. Resultados: la valoración nutricional, evaluando ingesta alimentaria utilizando recordatorio de 24 horas y frecuencia de consumo, orientará sobre cuáles son las potenciales deficiencias nutricionales que puede presentar para adecuar la dieta y/o suplementación de nutrientes específicos. La alimentación vegetariana tiene una densidad energética más baja que la no vegetariana, pero se logran alcanzar las recomendaciones. Las necesidades proteicas se satisfacen fácilmente cuando la dieta incluye variedad de alimentos y las calorías son adecuadas. Algunos autores sugieren aumentar un 10 a 15% la recomendación proteica. Además, considerar el aporte de ácidos grasos omega 3 (EPA y DHA) para lograr el equilibrio óptimo entre los ácidos grasos poliinsaturados omega3/omega6. Los requerimientos nutricionales de calcio no varían con respecto a los omnívoros. Es imprescindible suplementar vitamina B12 oral a todos los NNyA vegetarianos, incluso en ovolactovegetarianos o en NNyA que consuman habitualmente alimentos fortificados. La suplementación adecuada es la mejor forma de garantizar unos niveles óptimos de esta vitamina. Se recomienda evaluar el estado de la vitamina D suplementando según edad. Conclusiones: La Asociación Argentina de Dietistas y Nutricionistas Dietistas (AADYND) plantea que la alimentación vegetariana y/o vegana planificada, supervisada y suplementada por un profesional de la nutrición idóneo, son saludables en la niñez y adolescencia. Los profesionales de la alimentación y nutrición pueden desempeñar un papel clave en la educación y acompañamiento de las personas vegetarianas acerca de fuentes específicas de nutrientes, preparación de alimentos, y modificaciones dietéticas necesarias para satisfacer sus necesidades(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: the popularity of vegetarian and vegan diets is increasing in western countries and are adopted by children and adolescents (Ch&A). The main nutrition and dietetic associations in the world approve this type of dietary practice in these age groups if they are supervised and accompanied by qualified professionals. Objective: take a position as the Argentine Association of Dietitians and Dietitian Nutritionists about the implementation of vegetarian diets in pediatric and adolescent age, considering recommendations based on scientific evidence. Materials and Method: review and bibliographic update, non-systematic, with searches on Google Scholar, PudMed and Medline between December 2018 and March 2019. Results: The nutritional assessment, evaluating food intake using a 24-hour reminder and frequency of consumption, will provide guidance on what are the potential nutritional deficiencies that may come up, adapt the diet and/or supplementation of specific nutrients. The vegetarian diet has a lower energy density than the non-vegetarian diet but manages to meet the recommendations. Protein needs are easily met when the diet includes a variety of foods and calories are adequate. Some authors suggest increasing the protein recommendation by 10 to 15%. Considering the contribution of omega 3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) to achieve the optimal balance between omega3/omega6 polyunsaturated fatty acids. The nutritional requirements of calcium do not vary with respect to omnivores. It is essential to supplement oral vitamin B12 to all vegetarian Ch&A, even in ovolactovegetarians or in Ch&A that habitually consume fortified foods. Proper supplementation is the best way to ensure optimal levels of this vitamin. It is recommended to evaluate the status of vitamin D by supplementing according to age. Conclusions: Argentine Association of Dietitians and Dietitian Nutritionists states that vegetarian and/or vegan food, planned, supervised and supplemented by a suitable nutrition professional, are healthy in childhood and adolescence. Food and nutrition professionals can play a key role in educating and mentoring vegetarians about specific sources of nutrients, food preparation, and dietary modifications necessary to meet their needs(AU)

Diet components can suppress inflammation and reduce cancer risk

Epidemiology studies indicate that diet or specific dietary components can reduce the risk for cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. An underlying cause of these diseases is chronic inflammation. Dietary components that are beneficial against disease seem to have multiple mechanisms of action and many also have a common mechanism of reducing inflammation, often via the NFkappaB pathway. Thus, a plant based diet can contain many components that reduce inflammation and can reduce the risk for developing all three of these chronic diseases. We summarize dietary components that have been shown to reduce cancer risk and two studies that show that dietary walnut can reduce cancer growth and development. Part of the mechanism for the anticancer benefit of walnut was by suppressing the activation of NFkappaB. In this brief review, we focus on reduction of cancer risk by dietary components and the relationship to suppression of inflammation. However, it should be remembered that most dietary components have multiple beneficial mechanisms of action that can be additive and that suppression of chronic inflammation should reduce the risk for all three chronic diseases.