Effects of a dietary intervention with lacto-ovo-vegetarian and Mediterranean diets on apolipoproteins and inflammatory cytokines: results from the CARDIVEG study.

BACKGROUND: Apolipoproteins have been recently proposed as novel markers of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. However, evidence regarding effects of diet on apolipoproteins is limited. AIM: To compare the effects of Mediterranean diet (MD) and lacto-ovo vegetarian diet (VD) on apolipoproteins and traditional CVD risk factors in participants with low-to-moderate CVD risk. METHODS: Fifty-two participants (39 women; 49.1 ± 12.4 years), followed MD and VD for 3 months each. Medical and dietary information was collected at the baseline. Anthropometric parameters and blood samples were obtained at the beginning and the end of interventions. RESULTS: MD and VD resulted in significant improvement in anthropometric and lipid profiles. Both diets led to a reduction in most of the inflammatory parameters. As for apolipoproteins, a significant change was observed for ApoC-I after VD (+ 24.4%; p = 0.020). MD led to a negative correlation between ApoC-III and carbohydrates (R = - 0.29; p = 0.039) whereas VD between ApoD and saturated fats (R = - 0.38; p = 0.006). A positive correlation emerged after VD between HDL and ApoD (R = 0.33; p = 0.017) and after MD between plasma triglycerides and ApoC-I (R = 0.32; p = 0.020) and ApoD (R = 0.30; p = 0.031). IL-17 resulted to be positively correlated with ApoB after MD (R = 0.31; p = 0.028) and with ApoC-III after VD (R = 0.32; p = 0.019). Subgroup analysis revealed positive effects on apolipoproteins from both diets, especially in women, individuals older than 50 years-old or with < 3 CVD risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Both diets seem to improve CVD risk, however, MD showed a greater positive effect on apolipoproteins in some subgroups, thus suggesting how diet may influence new potential markers of CVD risk. TRIAL REGISTRATION: registered at clinicaltrials.gov (identifier: NCT02641834) on December 2015.

Vegan/vegetarian diet and human milk donation: An EMBA survey across European milk banks.

The nutritional adequacy of human milk (HM) from vegan/vegetarian mothers has been a matter of debate, and a variety of recommendations regarding the eligibility of these mothers as human milk donors exists. According to the latest evidence, HM from vegans/vegetarians is similar in its composition to that from omnivores, however, some differences may be observed regarding vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids concentrations. Maternal supplementation of these compounds has been proven effective in increasing their HM concentration. With this survey, we aimed to explore the practices currently in use in European human milk banks (HMBs) regarding potential donors following vegan/vegetarian diets. The online survey was distributed to European HMBs between January and July 2022. A total of 188 HMBs were contacted, and 118 replied (response rate 63%). Vegan and vegetarian mothers were recommended supplements of vitamin B12 to be accepted as donors in 27% and 26% of HMBs, respectively. Additional omega-3 fatty acid supplementation was required in 8% HMBs. In the remaining HMBs, these mothers were either systematically excluded or included regardless of supplementation. The dosage of the recommended supplements was extremely variable. Fifty-one percent of HMBs were following recommendations to guide their practice, national or local recommendations mainly. Great variability in European HMBs practices towards potential donors following vegan/vegetarian diets exists. Some of these practices can result in loss of donors and/or in potential nutritional deficiencies. Standardised evidence-based recommendations on this issue and their implementation in daily HMB practice are needed.

The association between dietary quality scores with C-reactive protein and novel biomarkers of inflammation platelet-activating factor and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2: a cross-sectional study.

Healthy dietary patterns are associated with lower inflammation and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and adherence can be measured using diet quality scores. Inflammation is traditionally measured with C-reactive protein (hsCRP), however there is interest in novel pro-inflammatory markers platelet-activating factor (PAF) and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) that are specifically involved in endothelial dysfunction and inflammation. This cross-sectional study investigated the association between PAF, Lp-PLA2, hsCRP, and six diet scores. One hundred adults (49 ± 13 years, 31% male) with variable CVD risk were recruited. Fasting PAF, Lp-PLA2 and hsCRP and usual dietary intake were measured. Adherence to Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), Dairy-adjusted DASH, Vegetarian Lifestyle Index, Healthy Eating Index for Australians (HEIFA), Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) and PREDIMED-Plus (erMedDiet) scores were calculated. Correlations and multiple regressions were performed. hsCRP, but not PAF, independently correlated with several diet scores. Lp-PLA2 independently correlated with Vegetarian Lifestyle Index only in unadjusted models. A one-point increase in adherence to the DASH Index, the Dairy-adjusted DASH Index and the Vegetarian Lifestyle Index was associated with a 30%, 30%, and 33% reduction in hsCRP levels, respectively. Smaller effects were seen with the other diet scores with a one-point increase in adherence resulting in a 19%, 22% and 16% reduction in hsCRP with HEIFA, MEDAS, erMedDiet scores, respectively. The lack of stronger associations between the novel markers of inflammation and diet scores may be due to confounding by COVID-19 infection and vaccination programs, which prevents any firm conclusion on the relationship between PAF, Lp-PLA2 and healthy dietary patterns. Future research should aim to examine the relationship with these novel markers and healthy dietary patterns in a non-pandemic setting.

Characterization of the dietary and sociodemographic profile of a group of Colombian vegetarian women in childbearing age during the period 2021-2022 / Caracterização do perfil alimentar e sociodemográfico de um grupo de mulheres vegetarianas colombianas em idade fértil no período 2021-2022

ABSTRACT Objective To determine the dietary and sociodemographic profile of vegetarian women of childbearing age (18 and 49 years) from the Valle de Aburrá Metropolitan Area in 2021-2022 Methods Through an online survey, 232 vegetarian and vegan women of childbearing age (18 to 49 years) from the Valle de Aburrá Metropolitan Area were surveyed regarding their sociodemographic characteristics, amount of time following this eating pattern and, type and reason for choosing vegetarianism, physical activity, use of nutritional supplements and frequency of consumption of certain food groups. Descriptive analyses, association of variables with the type of vegetarianism and multinomial regression models were performed. Results A total of 232 vegetarian women were surveyed: 60.8% were between 18 and 30 years of age and belonged mainly to the middle class. According to the type of diet, 68.1% used an ovo-lacto-vegetarian diet, 18.1% were vegan, 9.0% lacto-vegetarian and 4.8% ovo-vegetarian. Among the factors evaluated in their potential relationship with the different types of vegetarianism, it is highlighted that vitamin B12 supplementation presents a statistically significant association when using veganism as a comparison category. Conclusion According to the results, among young female adults the vegetarian eating style predominates, without significant differences as to the educational level, adequate levels of physical activity in most of the population; there was a higher prevalence of ovo-lacto-vegetarianism. Vitamin B12 supplementation was significantly higher in the vegan population, indicating that ovo-lacto and ovo-vegetarian populations may be at high risk of vitamin B12 deficiency.

RESUMO Objetivo O estudo objetivou determinar a associação entre o perfil sociodemográfico e alimentar de mulheres vegetarianas em idade fértil (18 a 49 anos) na região metropolitana de Valle de Aburrá (Colômbia) em 2021-2022. Métodos Por meio de um questionário online, 232 mulheres vegetarianas e veganas em idade fértil (18 a 49 anos) pertencentes à região metropolitana de Valle de Aburrá foram entrevistadas sobre suas características sociodemográficas, tempo, tipo e motivo da escolha do vegetarianismo, atividade física, consumo de suplementos nutricionais e frequência de consumo dos grupos dos alimentos. Foi realizada análise descritiva, associação das variáveis com o tipo de vegetarianismo e modelos de regressão multinomial. Resultados Foram entrevistadas 232 mulheres vegetarianas: 60,8% tinham entre 18 e 30 anos e pertencem principalmente à classe social média. De acordo com o tipo de dieta, 68,1% tinham uma dieta ovolactovegetariana; 18,1%, vegana; 9%, lactovegetariana; e 4,8%, ovovegetariana. Entre os fatores avaliados em sua possível relação com os diferentes tipos de vegetarianismo, destaca-se que a suplementação de vitamina B12 apresenta associação estatisticamente significativa ao ter o veganismo como categoria de comparação. Conclusão De acordo com os resultados, entre mulheres adultas jovens, predomina o estilo alimentar vegetariano, sem diferença significativa observada no nível de escolaridade e níveis adequados de atividade física na maioria da população; há também maior prevalência de ovolactovegetarianismo. A suplementação de vitamina B12 é significativamente maior na população vegana, indicando um alto risco de deficiência nas populações ovolacto e ovovegetarianas.

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.

Efeito dos padrões alimentares no tratamento e prevenção da hipertensão arterial: uma atualização / Effect of dietary patterns on the treatment and prevention of high blood pressure: an update

A hipertensão arterial (HA) é uma condição clínica caracterizada por elevação sustentada dos níveis pressóricos maior ou igual a 140 e/ou 90 mmHg. As diretrizes atuais têm apontado cada vez mais estudos que verificam a influência dos diferentes padrões alimentares e seus efeitos benéficos no controle da HA, como: Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH) que preconiza o consumo de frutas, hortaliças, fibras, minerais e laticínios com baixos teores de gordura; DASH-Sodium a qual combina três níveis diferentes de ingestão de sódio; Dieta Mediterrânea (MedDiet) caracterizada pela ingestão reduzida de carne vermelha e processada, ovos, doces e bebidas açucaradas, somada ao consumo moderado de peixes, vinho tinto e laticínios com baixo teor de gordura e alta ingestão de azeite de oliva; Plant based cujo escopo é consumir principalmente proteínas de origem vegetal, com um padrão alimentar rico em fibras, que inclua cereais integrais, frutas, legumes, leguminosas e nozes, com uma ingestão regular de peixes e frutos do mar, laticínios com baixo teor de gordura. Todas essas intervenções mostraram benefícios nos níveis pressóricos, porém a DASH é o padrão alimentar mais frequentemente recomendado e com maior nível de evidência para a prevenção primária e o controle da HA (AU).

Arterial hypertension (AH) is a clinical condition characterized by a sustained increase in blood pressure levels higher than or equal to 140 and or 90 mmHg. Present guidelines have increasingly pointed to studies that show the influence of different dietary patterns and their beneficial effects on the control of AH, just as: Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH), which advocates the consumption of fruits, vegetables, fiber, minerals and dairy products low in fat; DASH-Sodium which associate three different levels of sodium intake; Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) characterized by reduced intake of red and processed meat, eggs, sweets, and sugary drinks, besides, moderate consumption of fish, red wine and low-fat dairy products and high intake of olive oil; Plant-based whose scope is to consume mainly plant-based proteins, with a dietary pattern rich in fiber, which includes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts, with a regular intake of fish and seafood, low-fat dairy products. All these interventions showed benefits in blood pressure levels, however DASH is the most frequently recommended dietary pattern with the highest level of evidence for primary prevention and AH control (AU).

Implementation of a Whole Food Plant Based Diet in a Food as Prevention Program in a Resource Constrained Environment.

Background: The efficacy of a Whole Food Plant-based (WFPB) diet has been shown in randomized controlled trials in diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity. However, it's effectiveness in routine clinical settings is less well documented. This study describes the implementation and outcomes of a "Food as Prevention" program run by a single clinician. Methods: Participants were referred to a "Food as Prevention" program run by a single gastroenterologist at an academic teaching center. The program included 5 physician-led discussion and small group educational sessions. Data collected included demographics, weight and biochemical measurements before and after completion of the program. Statistical analysis included paired t-test and Pearson correlation coefficients were used to assess differences before and after WFPB implementation. Results: A total of 17 participants (age 59 years; 59% female) with an average weight of 90.0 kg attended a median of 3 group sessions. Majority of patients had hyperlipidemia (71%) followed by hypertension (47%) and coronary artery disease (35%), fatty liver disease (35%) and diabetes mellitus (29%). Adoption of a WFPB diet led to significant decreases in weight (4.3 kg; p < 0.01), total cholesterol (0.72 mmol/L; p = 0.046), and triglycerides (0.53 mmol/L; p = 0.005) with an increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (0.10 mmol/L; p = 0.01).Conclusions Implementation of the WFPB diet in this novel pilot program led to weight loss and improvement in biochemical markers of disease. Future studies are needed to implement this model on a larger scale.

Crecimiento en niños y en hijos de madres que adhieren a dietas vegetarianas: revisión de la literatura / Growth in children and in the offspring whose mothers adhere to vegetarian diets: Literature review

Introducción. La prevalencia del vegetarianismo aumenta a nivel mundial y no hay consenso acerca de si este tipo de alimentación es adecuado durante el período de crecimiento. Objetivo. Se realizó una revisión descriptiva de la literatura con el objetivo de conocer si los niños e hijos de madres que siguen dietas vegetarianas crecen de manera diferente a los niños con dietas omnívoras. Métodos. Se incluyen 25 artículos publicados entre los años 1995-2020, que describen el crecimiento prenatal, postnatal y desarrollo puberal en niños vegetarianos e hijos de madres vegetarianas. Conclusión. La escasez de estudios longitudinales y resultados en el largo plazo, la heterogeneidad en la clasificación y el registro de las dietas, además de deficiencias metodológicas, no permiten concluir que el crecimiento de estos niños sea diferente al de los niños que siguen dietas omnívoras. Se requieren estudios longitudinales en el largo plazo para contribuir a dirimir esta controversia

The prevalence of vegetarianism is rising worldwide and there is no consensus about whether it is adequate during the growth period. The objective of this descriptive review is to find out if vegetarian children and children born from mothers who follow vegetarian diets, grow different from those who follow omnivorous diets. Results. 25 articles published between 1995 and 2020 were included describing prenatal and postnatal growth and pubertal development in vegetarian children and children of vegetarian mothers. Conclusion. The scarcity of longitudinal studies and long-term results, the heterogeneity in the classification and registration of the diets, in addition to methodological deficiencies, do not allow to conclude that the growth of these children is different from children on omnivorous diets. Long-term longitudinal studies are required to help to solve this controversy

[Growth in children and in the offspring whose mothers adhere to vegetarian diets: Literature review]. / Crecimiento en niños y en hijos de madres que adhieren a dietas vegetarianas: revisión de la literatura.

The prevalence of vegetarianism is rising worldwide and there is no consensus about whether it is adequate during the growth period. The objective of this descriptive review is to find out if vegetarian children and children born from mothers who follow vegetarian diets, grow different from those who follow omnivorous diets. Results. 25 articles published between 1995 and 2020 were included describing prenatal and postnatal growth and pubertal development in vegetarian children and children of vegetarian mothers. Conclusion. The scarcity of longitudinal studies and long-term results, the heterogeneity in the classification and registration of the diets, in addition to methodological deficiencies, do not allow to conclude that the growth of these children is different from children on omnivorous diets. Long-term longitudinal studies are required to help to solve this controversy.

Introducción. La prevalencia del vegetarianismo aumenta a nivel mundial y no hay consenso acerca de si este tipo de alimentación es adecuado durante el período de crecimiento. Objetivo. Se realizó una revisión descriptiva de la literatura con el objetivo de conocer si los niños e hijos de madres que siguen dietas vegetarianas crecen de manera diferente a los niños con dietas omnívoras. Métodos. Se incluyen 25 artículos publicados entre los años 1995-2020, que describen el crecimiento prenatal, postnatal y desarrollo puberal en niños vegetarianos e hijos de madres vegetarianas. Conclusión. La escasez de estudios longitudinales y resultados en el largo plazo, la heterogeneidad en la clasificación y el registro de las dietas, además de deficiencias metodológicas, no permiten concluir que el crecimiento de estos niños sea diferente al de los niños que siguen dietas omnívoras. Se requieren estudios longitudinales en el largo plazo para contribuir a dirimir esta controversia.

Alimentação vegetariana na merenda escolar e sua relação com o estado nutricional infantil / Vegetarian nourishment in school meals and their relationship with the child nutritional status

Avaliar o reflexo da alimentação vegetariana no estado nutricional de crianças de uma escola privada que adota tal alimentação na merenda; verificar a opinião dos pais e das crianças sobre o cardápio da instituição. Obteve-se o estado nutricional através do Índice de Massa Corpórea e a opinião dos pais sobre a merenda através de questionário. O valor nutricional do cardápio foi obtido através do software DIET PRO 5®. Obteve-se a opinião dos estudantes sobre a merenda através de escala hedônica. Observou-se inadequação em todos os macro e micronutrientes, em ao menos um dia da semana. As refeições eram bem aceitas pelas crianças, das quais 75% apresentaram eutrofia. 87% das famílias achavam a merenda vegetariana uma boa ideia; 3% tinham a opinião contrária e 10% eram indiferentes. Apesar da boa aceitação da merenda vegetariana e predominância da eutrofia, o acompanhamento profissional é importante, evitando possíveis deficiências nutricionais.

Evaluate the reflex of vegetarian nourishment in the nutritional status of children from a private school that adopts such food in the lunch; check the opinion of parents and children about the institution's menu. The nutritional status was obtained through the Body Mass Index and the parents' opinion about the meal through a questionnaire. The nutritional value of the menu was obtained using the DIET PRO 5®ï¸ software. Students' opinions about school meals were obtained through a hedonic scale. It was observed inadequacy in all macro and micronutrients, on at least one day of the week. Meals were well accepted by the children, 75% of whom had normal weight. 87% of families thought vegetarian lunches were a good idea; 3% had the opposite opinion and 10% were indifferent. Despite the good acceptance of vegetarian meals and the predominance of eutrophy, the professional monitoring is important, avoiding possible nutritional deficiencies.

Pode a humanidade prevenir as próximas pandemias por meio da nutrição vegetariana? / Can humankind prevent the next pandemics through the vegetarian nutrition?

As pandemias que enfrentamos podem ser um problema aparentemente novo para muitos, mas vários outros desastres de saúde pública já ocorreram em diferentes partes do mundo. A maioria das doenças infecciosas emergentes (60,3%) é causada por patógenos zoonóticos por meio da transmissão cruzada de espécies. No início da cadeia de transmissão zoonótica, a transmissão ocorre entre diferentes espécies animais; na segunda fase, a transmissão ocorre entre animais e humanos, até que a última fase do processo de transmissão ocorra entre humanos, levando a pandemias mundiais.1 Surpreendentemente, levando em consideração esse fato, Benatar et al. reconheceram, em 2007, que não se considerava que mudar a forma como os humanos tratam os animais, seja por não comê-los ou pelo menos por limitar radicalmente seu consumo, poderia ser a melhor forma de prevenir uma pandemia futura desconhecida.2

The pandemics we are facing may be an apparently new problem for many, but several other public health disasters have already occurred in different parts of the world. Most emerging infectious diseases (60.3%) are caused by zoonotic pathogens through the cross-transmission of species. In the beginning of the zoonotic transmission chain, transmission occurs between different animal species; in the second stage, transmission occurs between animals and humans, until the last stage of the transmission process takes place amonghumans, leading to worldwide pandemics.1Surprisingly, taking this factinto account, Benatar et al. recognized, in 2007, that mankinddid not consider that changing the way humans treat animals, either by noteating them or at least by radically limiting their consumption could be the best way to prevent an unknown future pandemics.2

Evidence-based clinical advice for nutrition and dietary weight loss strategies for the management of NAFLD and NASH.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease worldwide and affects approximately one third of adults in the United States. The disease is becoming a global epidemic as a result of the rising rates of obesity and metabolic disease. Emerging data suggest weight loss of ≥10% overall body weight is beneficial in resolving steatosis and reversing fibrosis. Prospective trials comparing various diets are limited by lack of sufficient power as well as pre- and post-treatment histopathology, and therefore no specific diet is recommended at this time. In this narrative review we examine the pathophysiology behind specific macronutrient components that can either promote or reverse NAFLD to help inform more specific dietary recommendations. Overall, the data supports reducing saturated fat, refined carbohydrates, and red and processed meats in the diet, and increasing the consumption of plant-based foods. Diets that incorporate these recommendations include plant-based diets such as the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, Mediterranean, vegetarian, and vegan diets.

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

Objective: To identify the prevalence of vegetarianism and associated factors among students at a public university in southern Brazil. Methods: Cross-sectional study carried out between 2017-2018, including all first-year students from the university. Questionnaire was applied to assess the type of diet (omnivorous or vegetarian). Logistic regression was used to verify associated factors (demographic, socioeconomic, course, health-related behaviors and nutritional status). Results: Of 2,706 eligible individuals, 1,841 were part of the sample. The predominant type of diet was omnivorous (93.6%), followed by ovolactovegetarian (5.4%), strict vegetarian (0.7%), ovovegetarian (0.2%) and lactovegetarian (0.1%). Women (RO=0.58 ­ 95%CI 0.38;0.89), enrolled in Linguistics, Letters and Arts (RO=2.59 ­ 95%CI 1.42;4.71) and those in harmful use of alcohol (RO=2.02 ­ 95%CI 1.34;3.04) were more likely to be vegetarians than men, enrolled in social sciences and without harmful use, respectively. Conclusion: The vegetarian diet was associated with sex, course area and alcohol use.

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. 

Vegetarianism as a protective factor for asymptomatic colonic diverticulosis in Asians: a retrospective cross-sectional and case-control study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Dietary fiber intake is considered a protective factor for diverticular disease such as diverticulitis. However, evidence for an inverse connection between dietary fiber consumption and asymptomatic colonic diverticulosis is lacking. Specifically, few studies have investigated this subject in Asians with different presentations of diverticulosis. Therefore, we assessed the protective effects of a vegetarian diet for asymptomatic colonic diverticulosis in Buddhist monks who are obligatory vegetarians for spiritual reasons compared with the general population. METHODS: A retrospective, cross-sectional, case-control study was conducted in age- and sex-matched Buddhist monks and the general population who underwent colonoscopy for screening at a Korean health promotion center from August 2005 to June 2018. We compared the prevalence of asymptomatic diverticulosis between the 2 groups using a self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: In this study, a total of 1,316 individuals were included (Buddhist monks of 658 and general population of 658) with a mean age of 52.6±9.5 years. The prevalence of asymptomatic diverticulosis in Buddhist monks was lower compared with the general population (6.7% [44/658] vs. 10.8% [71/658], P=0.008). Buddhist monks had a higher rate of high body mass index (BMI) and metabolic syndrome. By a multivariate regression analysis model, a nonvegetarian diet (odds ratio [OR], 1.82; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21-2.72, P=0.004), old age (OR, 4.53; 95% CI, 1.36-15.12; P=0.014), male sex (OR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.28-2.85; P=0.002), and a high BMI (OR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.01-2.23; P=0.047) were independent predictors of asymptomatic diverticulosis. Moreover, a nonvegetarian diet was associated with both right-sided and left-sided diverticulosis. CONCLUSIONS: A nonvegetarian diet may increase a risk of asymptomatic colonic diverticulosis in Asians.

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.

Nutritional Status, Lifestyle and Lipid Profile in Vegetarians

Abstract Background: Vegetarian diets have been linked to reduced risk of chronic noncommunicable diseases, since they positively modulate biochemical parameters, particularly those related with glycemic control and lipemia, and considered as potential strategy for weight control. Objective: To compare the nutritional status, lifestyle and lipid profile of adult vegetarians with omnivores in a sample of individuals in the city of São Paulo. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Anthropometric, biochemical and lifestyle variables were compared between vegetarians and omnivores. A significance level of 5% was considered for all analyses. Results: Vegetarians were more likely to practice physical activity (64.3% vs 42.5%, p = 0.056) and consuming dietary supplements (48.1% vs 20.5%, p = 0.012). There was no statistically significant difference for the variables: age, sex, triglycerides, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein between the two groups. Vegetarians had significantly lower weight [60.8 kg (56.7 - 69.4) vs 71.1 kg (58.0 - 75.4), p = 0.038], BMI [22.4 kg/m2 (20.9 - 23.8) vs 24.6 kg/m2 (21.7 - 26.1), p = 0.001], and waist circumference [(81.8 ± 8.2 vs 87.8 ± 10.9 cm, p = 0.003)], and higher high-density lipoprotein (54.88 ± 14.44 vs 47.30 ± 12.27 mg /dL p = 0.008) than omnivores. Conclusion: Compared with omnivores, vegetarians had a better nutritional status, with lower BMI and waist circumference, significantly higher levels of plasma lipoprotein high-density, and healthier lifestyle.

Plant-Based Diets and Incident CKD and Kidney Function.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The association between plant-based diets, incident CKD, and kidney function decline has not been examined in the general population. We prospectively investigated this relationship in a population-based study, and evaluated if risk varied by different types of plant-based diets. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS: Analyses were conducted in a sample of 14,686 middle-aged adults enrolled in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study. Diets were characterized using four plant-based diet indices. In the overall plant-based diet index, all plant foods were positively scored; in the healthy plant-based diet index, only healthful plant foods were positively scored; in the provegetarian diet, selected plant foods were positively scored. In the less healthy plant-based diet index, only less healthful plant foods were positively scored. All indices negatively scored animal foods. We used Cox proportional hazards models to study the association with incident CKD and linear mixed models to examine decline in eGFR, adjusting for confounders. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 24 years, 4343 incident CKD cases occurred. Higher adherence to a healthy plant-based diet (HR comparing quintile 5 versus quintile 1 [HRQ5 versus Q1], 0.86; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.78 to 0.96; P for trend =0.001) and a provegetarian diet (HRQ5 versus Q1, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.82 to 0.99; P for trend =0.03) were associated with a lower risk of CKD, whereas higher adherence to a less healthy plant-based diet (HRQ5 versus Q1, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.21; P for trend =0.04) was associated with an elevated risk. Higher adherence to an overall plant-based diet and a healthy plant-based diet was associated with slower eGFR decline. The proportion of CKD attributable to lower adherence to healthy plant-based diets was 4.1% (95% CI, 0.6% to 8.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Higher adherence to healthy plant-based diets and a vegetarian diet was associated with favorable kidney disease outcomes.

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.