Comparative effectiveness of plant-based diets for weight loss: a randomized controlled trial of five different diets. A randomized clinical trial of a standard versus vegetarian diet for weight loss: the impact of treatment preference BLOOD-PRESSURE-LOWERING EFFECT OF A VEGETARIAN DIET: CONTROLLED TRIAL IN NORMOTENSIVE SUBJECTS Effects of a vegetarian diet and treatment preference on biochemical and dietary variables in overweight and obese adults: a randomized clinical trial. Low-Calorie Vegetarian Versus Mediterranean Diets for Reducing Body Weight and Improving Cardiovascular Risk Profile: CARDIVEG Study (Cardiovascular Prevention With Vegetarian Diet) The influence of maternal vegetarian diet on essential fatty acid status of the newborn. Ambulatory blood pressure and heart rate responses to vegetarian meals Serum concentrations of vitamin B12 and folate in British male omnivores, vegetarians, and vegans: results from a cross-sectional analysis of the EPIC-Oxford cohort study Spinal bone mineral density in premenopausal vegetarian and nonvegetarian women: cross-sectional and prospective comparisons. Dietary intake and iron status of Australian vegetarian women. Vegetarian diet for patients with rheumatoid arthritis: can the clinical effects be explained by the psychological characteristics of the patients? A randomized controlled trial of the effect on blood pressure of dietary non-meat protein versus meat protein in normotensive omnivores. Plasma lipids and lipoproteins in vegetarians and controls. Stability of blood pressure in vegetarians receiving dietary protein supplements. Protein intake, weight loss, and bone mineral density in postmenopausal women. Effect of dietary alpha-linolenic acid on thrombotic risk factors in vegetarian men. Appetite control and biomarkers of satiety with vegetarian (soy) and meat-based high-protein diets for weight loss in obese men: a randomized crossover trial. A Vegetarian Diet Is a Major Determinant of Gut Microbiota Composition in Early Pregnancy Plasma levels of advanced glycation end products in healthy, long-term vegetarians and subjects on a western mixed diet Serum fatty acid, lipid profile and dietary intake of Hong Kong Chinese omnivores and vegetarians Nutrient intakes and eating behavior scores of vegetarian and nonvegetarian women. Randomization to plant-based dietary approaches leads to larger short-term improvements in Dietary Inflammatory Index scores and macronutrient intake compared with diets that contain meat. Biochemical and neurohormonal responses to the introduction of a lacto-ovovegetarian diet
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine the effect of plant-based diets on weight loss . METHODS Participants were enrolled in a 6-mo , five-arm , r and omized controlled trial in 2013 in South Carolina . Participants attended weekly group meetings , with the exception of the omnivorous group , which served as the control and attended monthly meetings augmented with weekly e-mail lessons . All groups attended monthly meetings for the last 4 mo of the study . Diets did not emphasize caloric restriction . RESULTS Overweight adults ( body mass index 25 - 49.9 kg/m(2 ) ; age 18 - 65 y , 19 % non-white , and 27 % men ) were r and omized to a low-fat , low-glycemic index diet : vegan ( n = 12 ) , vegetarian ( n = 13 )  , pesco-vegetarian ( n =  13  ) , semi-vegetarian  ( n = 13 ) , or omnivorous  ( n = 12 ) . Fifty ( 79 % ) participants completed the study . In intention-to-treat analysis , the linear trend for weight loss across the five groups was significant at both 2 ( P < 0.01 ) and 6 mo ( P < 0.01 ) . At 6 mo , the weight loss in the vegan group ( -7.5 % ± 4.5 % ) was significantly different from the omnivorous ( -3.1 % ± 3.6 % ; P = 0.03 ) , semi-vegetarian ( -3.2 % ± 3.8 % ; P = 0.03 ) , and pesco-vegetarian ( -3.2 % ± 3.4 % ; P = 0.03 ) groups . Vegan participants decreased their fat and saturated fat more than the pesco-vegetarian , semi-vegetarian , and omnivorous groups at both 2 and 6 mo ( P < 0.05 ) . CONCLUSIONS Vegan diets may result in greater weight loss than more modest recommendations Background : With obesity rampant , methods to achieve sustained weight loss remain elusive . Objective : To compare the long-term weight-loss efficacy of 2 cal and fat-restricted diets , st and ard ( omnivorous ) versus lacto – ovo – vegetarian , and to determine the effect of a chosen diet versus an assigned diet . Design , subjects : A r and omized clinical trial was conducted with 176 adults who were sedentary and overweight ( mean body mass index , 34.0 kg/m2 ) . Participants were first r and omly assigned to either receive their preferred diet or be assigned to a diet group and second , were given their diet of preference or r and omly assigned to a st and ard weight-loss diet or a lacto – ovo – vegetarian diet . Participants underwent a university-based weight-control program consisting of daily dietary and exercise goals plus 12 months of behavioral counseling followed by a 6-month maintenance phase . Measurements : Percentage change in body weight , body mass index , waist circumference , low- and high-density lipoprotein , glucose , insulin and macronutrient intake . Results : The program was completed by 132 ( 75 % ) of the participants . At 18 months , mean percentage weight loss was greater ( P=0.01 ) in the two groups that were assigned a diet ( st and ard , 8.0 % ( s.d . , 7.8 % ) ; vegetarian , 7.9 % ( s.d . , 8.1 % ) ) than in those provided the diet of their choice ( st and ard , 3.9 % ( s.d . , 6.1 % ) ; vegetarian , 5.3 % ( s.d . , 6.2 % ) ) . No difference was observed in weight loss between the two types of diet . Over the 18-month program , all groups showed significant weight loss . Conclusions : Participants assigned to their dietary preference did not have enhanced treatment outcomes . However , all groups lost weight with losses ranging from 4 to 8 % at 18 months 59 healthy , omnivorous subjects aged 25 - 63 years were r and omly allocated to a control group , which ate an omnivorous diet for 14 weeks , or to one of two experimental groups , whose members ate an omnivorous diet for the first 2 weeks and a lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet for one of two 6-week experimental periods .  Mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures did not change in the control group but fell significantly in both experimental groups during the vegetarian diet and rose significantly in the experimental group which reverted to the omnivorous diet . Adjustment of the blood-pressure changes for age , obesity , heart rate , weight change , and blood pressure before dietary change indicated a diet-related fall of some 5 - 6 mm Hg systolic and 2 - 3 mm Hg diastolic . Although the nutrient(s ) causing these blood-pressure changes are unknown , the effects were apparently not mediated by changes in sodium or potassium intake BACKGROUND A vegetarian diet may lead to numerous health benefits , including weight loss . OBJECTIVE We examined the joint effects of personal preference of dietary treatment and a calorie-restricted , low-fat lactoovovegetarian diet ( LOV-D ) compared with a st and ard calorie-restricted , low-fat omnivorous diet ( STD-D ) on changes in weight , total cholesterol , ratio of LDL to HDL cholesterol ( LDL : HDL cholesterol ) , triacylglycerols , insulin resistance , and macronutrient intake during an 18-mo study . DESIGN This was a r and omized clinical trial of 176 overweight and obese adults who were recruited and r and omly assigned first to 1 of 2 preference conditions ( yes or no ) . If assigned to Preference-No , they were r and omly assigned to 1 of the 2 diet conditions ( STD-D or LOV-D ) . If assigned to Preference-Yes , they were assigned to the diet they indicated as preferred at screening . The 12-mo intervention was followed by a 6-mo maintenance phase . RESULTS Participants were mainly women ( 86.9 % ) and white ( 70.5 % ) ; 75 % completed the 18-mo study . A significant interaction between preference and dietary treatment was not observed for any of the outcome variables . However , participants in the Preference-No groups significantly decreased their triacylglycerols ( P = 0.04 ) . The only effect observed for diet was a borderline significant decrease in LDL : HDL cholesterol for the LOV-D group ( P = 0.06 ) . Within the LOV-D groups , those who were 100 % adherent to the LOV-D had significant and marginally significant reductions in monounsaturated fat ( P = 0.02 ) and total fat ( P = 0.05 ) intakes at 18 mo . CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that neither prescribing a vegetarian diet nor allowing persons to choose their preferred diet had a significant effect on outcome measures . However , all participants had a significant reduction in total energy and fat intakes and an increase in energy expenditure , which was reflected in reduced body weight . This clinical trial was registered at www . clinical trials.gov as NCT00330629 Background : Only a few r and omized dietary intervention studies that investigated the effects of lacto-ovo vegetarian diet ( VD ) in clinical ly healthy omnivorous subjects are available . Methods : We r and omly assigned to overweight omnivores with a low-to-moderate cardiovascular risk profile  a low-calorie VD compared with a low-calorie Mediterranean diet ( MD ) , each lasting 3 months , with a crossover design . The primary outcome was the difference in body weight , body mass index , and fat mass changes between the 2 groups . Secondary outcomes were differences in circulating cardiovascular disease risk parameters changes between the 2 groups . Results : One hundred eighteen subjects ( mean age : 51.1 years , females : 78 % ) were enrolled . The total participation rate at the end of the study was 84.7 % . No differences between the 2 diets in body weight were observed , as reported by similar and significant reductions obtained by both VD ( −1.88 kg ) and MD ( −1.77 kg ) . Similar results were observed for body mass index and fat mass . In contrast , significant differences between the 2 interventions were obtained for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol , triglycerides , and vitamin B12 levels . The difference between the VD and MD groups , in terms of end-of-diet values , was recorded at 9.10 mg/dL for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( P=0.01 ) , 12.70 mg/dL for triglycerides ( P<0.01 ) , and 32.32 pg/mL for vitamin B12 ( P<0.01 ) . Finally , no significant difference was found between VD and MD interventions in oxidative stress markers and inflammatory cytokines , except for interleukin-17 , which improved only in the MD group . Forty-six participants during the VD period and 35 during the MD period reached the target values for ≥1 cardiovascular risk factor . Conclusions : Both VD and MD were effective in reducing body weight , body mass index , and fat mass , with no significant differences between them . However , VD was more effective in reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels , whereas MD led to a greater reduction in triglyceride levels . Clinical Trial Registration : URL : https://www . clinical trials.gov . Unique identifier : NCT02641834 OBJECTIVES To evaluate whether a  maternal vegetarian diet influences the essential fatty acid status of the newborn and whether this is related to outcome of pregnancy . DESIGN  Dietary intake  and the fatty acid composition of plasma phospholipids were determined in 24 South Asian vegetarian and 24 white omnivore non-pregnant premenopausal women r and omly selected from the general population of North London . Umbilical cords and cord blood were collected at delivery from 48 South Asian vegetarian women and 98 white omnivores from the same catchment area along with details of antenatal history and the outcome of pregnancy . The fatty acid composition of the cord arteries and that of cord plasma phospholipids were analysed in a subset of 32 pairs of subjects , who were matched for maternal age , gestational age , parity and sex of infant . RESULTS Intakes of linoleic acid  ( 18:2n-6 ) expressed as proportion of the dietary energy and the ratio of linoleic to alpha-linolenic acid ( 18:3n-3 ) were higher in the vegetarian women , and eicosapentaenoic acid ( EPA , 20:5n-3 ) and docosahexaenoic acid ( DHA , 22:6n-3 ) were absent from their diets . The proportion of linoleic acid , as well as the absolute concentration , was greater and those of EPA and DHA were lower in plasma phospholipids , plasma free fatty acid and total plasma lipids of the vegetarians compared with the white subjects . The proportion of DHA was lower ( P > 0.001 ) but that of docosapentaenoic acid ( 22:5n-6 ) was greater ( P < 0.001 ) in cord those from the omnivores . The ratio of 20:3n-9/20:4n-6 was elevated in cord artery but not in cord plasma phospholipids in both groups . Early onset of labour and the duration of gestation was 5.6 days shorter . Birth weight , head circumference and length were lower in the infants born to South Asian vegetarians even after adjusting for maternal height , duration of gestation , parity , gender of infants and smoking habits . Multivariate analysis did not reveal any relationship between the proportions of DHA in plasma or cord artery phospholipids and the birthweight or head circumference of the infants . CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that vegetarians give birth to infants with less DHA in their plasma and cord artery phospholipids but this did not appear to be independently related to the outcome of pregnancy Objectives : To determine the effects of a vegetarian diet on daytime ambulatory ( Accutracker ) blood pressures and heart rates , and to relate these to the estimated peak in plasma glucose to determine whether low-glycaemic-index diets reduce sympathetic activity in response to differences in postpr and ial glucose and insulin . Design : The subjects were matched for age and body mass index and r and omly assigned to one of two parallel diet groups . Setting : Clinical . Participants : Twenty-one normotensive non-vegetarian male hospital workers volunteered for the study and 20 completed it . Intervention : After 2 weeks of baseline measurement the subjects followed an omnivorous or a lacto-ovovegetarian diet for 6 weeks . Main outcome measures : Daytime ambulatory blood pressures and heart rate , and postbreakfast catecholamines , insulin and glucose . Results : Ambulatory systolic blood pressure and heart rates were lower in the vegetarian group during the working day . The prepr and ial rise in diastolic pressure was attenuated on the vegetarian diet . There were no differences in plasma catecholamine , glucose or insulin levels sample d after breakfast on the two dietary regimes . Conclusions : The blood pressure-lowering effect of a lacto-ovovegetarian diet , which occurs throughout the working day , is associated with lower heart rates , suggesting a central nervous or cardiac mechanism . The possibility that the lower glycaemic index of a lacto-ovovegetarian diet has some effect needs to be investigated further in relation to major meal-times and studied in both normotensive and hypertensive subjects Background / Objectives : Vegans , and to a lesser extent vegetarians , have low average circulating concentrations of vitamin B12 ; however , the relation between factors such as age or time on these diets and vitamin B12 concentrations is not clear . The objectives of this study were to investigate differences in serum vitamin B12 and folate concentrations between  omnivores , vegetarians and vegans  and to ascertain whether vitamin B12 concentrations differed by age and time on the diet . Subjects/ Methods : A cross-sectional analysis involving 689 men ( 226 omnivores , 231 vegetarians and 232 vegans ) from the European Prospect i ve Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition Oxford cohort . Results : Mean serum vitamin B12 was highest among omnivores ( 281 , 95 % CI : 270–292 pmol/l ) , intermediate among vegetarians ( 182 , 95 % CI : 175–189 pmol/l ) and lowest among vegans ( 122 , 95 % CI : 117–127 pmol/l ) . In all , 52 % of vegans , 7 % of vegetarians and one omnivore were classified as vitamin B12 deficient ( defined as serum vitamin B12 < 118 pmol/l ) . There was no significant association between age or duration of adherence to a vegetarian or a vegan diet and serum vitamin B12 . In contrast , folate concentrations were highest among vegans , intermediate among vegetarians and lowest among omnivores , but only two men ( both omnivores ) were categorized as folate deficient ( defined as serum folate < 6.3 nmol/l ) . Conclusion :  Vegans  have lower vitamin B12 concentrations , but higher folate concentrations , than vegetarians and omnivores . Half of the vegans were categorized as vitamin B12 deficient and would be expected to have a higher risk of developing clinical symptoms related to vitamin B12 deficiency OBJECTIVE To compare spinal bone mineral density ( BMD ) and 1-year BMD change between premenopausal vegetarian and nonvegetarian women . DESIGN Cross-sectional comparison of spinal BMD at baseline and prospect i ve comparison of a sub sample . SETTING A western Canadian metropolitan area . SUBJECTS/ SAMPLE S Healthy vegetarian ( n = 15 lacto-ovo-vegetarian , n = 8 vegan ) and nonvegetarian ( n = 22 ) women aged 20 to 40 years , with regular menstrual cycles and stable body weight completed baseline measurements . Twenty of these women ( 6 lacto-ovo-vegetarian , 5 vegan , 9 nonvegetarian ) participated in repeat measurements at approximately 13 months . STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED Descriptive statistics , independent sample and paired t tests , 1-way analysis of variance , correlation analysis , and stepwise multiple regression were used to compare groups and to assess associations with BMD . RESULTS At baseline , subjects were 27.2 + /- 5.1 years old . Vegetarians had lower body mass index ( 21.1 + /- 2.3 vs 22.7 + /- 1.9 , P < .05 ) and percent body fat ( 24.0 + /- 5.5 % vs 27.4 + /- 5.1 % , P < .05 ) ; they also tended to have lower BMD ( 1.148 + /- 0.111 g/cm2 vs 1.216 + /- 0.132 g/cm2 , P = .06 ) , although this was not apparent with weight as a covariate ( P = .14 ) . Baseline BMD was predicted by vitamin B-12 intake and total body fat ( R2 = .24 , P = .001 ) . Participants in the follow-up differed only in their being older than non participants . Over 1 year , mean BMD increased significantly ( 1.1 % ) : by diet group , nonvegetarians ' BMD increased but vegetarians ' BMD was unchanged . No other monitored variables were associated with BMD change . APPLICATIONS/ CONCLUSIONS Vegetarian women should be aware of links between low BMD and low body weight/body fat , and should maintain adequate intakes of nutrients believed to affect BMD BACKGROUND Despite the possible overall health benefits of a vegetarian diet , there is concern that some vegetarians and infrequent meat eaters , particularly females , may have inadequate iron status because of low or no heme-iron intakes . OBJECTIVE The objective was to investigate the nutritional intake and iron status of vegetarian women . DESIGN The nutritional intakes of 50 free-living vegetarian women aged 18 - 45 y and 24 age-matched omnivorous control women were assessed by using 12-d weighed dietary records .  Iron status was assessed by measuring hemoglobin and serum ferritin concentrations . RESULTS There was no significant difference between mean ( + /-SD ) daily iron intakes of vegetarians and omnivores ( 10.7 + /- 4.4 and 9.9 + /- 2.9 mg , respectively ) , although heme-iron intakes were low in the vegetarians . Vegetarians had significantly lower intakes of protein ( P < 0.01 ) , saturated fat ( P < 0.01 ) , and cholesterol ( P < 0.001 ) , and significantly higher intakes of dietary fiber ( P < 0.001 ) and vitamin C ( P < 0.05 ) . Mean serum ferritin concentrations were significantly lower ( P = 0.025 ) in vegetarians ( 25.0 + /- 16.2 microg/L ) than in omnivores ( 45.5 + /- 42.5 microg/L ) . However , similar numbers of vegetarians ( 18 % ) and omnivores ( 13 % ) had serum ferritin concentrations < 12 microg/L , which is a value often used as an indicator of low iron stores . Hemoglobin concentrations were not significantly different . CONCLUSION It is important that both vegetarian and omnivorous women maintain an adequate iron status and follow dietary practice s that enhance iron absorption In a controlled , single blind clinical trial we have demonstrated recently a beneficial effect of fasting and vegetarian diet in RA . In the present study we compared 53 patients who participated in this clinical trial with 71 other RA patients with regard to some psychological parameters . The patients who participated in the clinical trial differed significantly from other RA patients . Firstly , they had a higher internal score and a lower chance score on the Multi-dimensional Health Locus of Control Scale ( MHLCS ) . Secondly , their belief in the effect of ordinary medical treatment , evaluated by a 10-cm visual analogue scale , was lower , and their belief in the effect of ' alternative ' , unconventional forms of treatment was higher . Of the patients who were r and omized to a vegetarian diet  , there was no significant difference between diet responders and diet non-responders with regard to the MHLCS scores . But , diet responders had a significantly lower belief in the effect of ordinary medical treatment compared with diet non-responders . The psychological distress imposed on the patients by changing from an omnivorous diet to a vegetarian diet was monitored during the clinical trial by means of the General Health Question naire . Throughout the clinical trial , this variable favoured the vegetarians compared with the omnivorous and the diet responders vs the diet non-responders . We conclude , firstly , that patients with certain psychological characteristics were selected to the clinical trial ; secondly , that the MHLCS scores could not explain the clinical improvement , but it may have been influenced by the patients ' beliefs in ordinary and ' alternative ' forms of treatment ; and thirdly , that dietary treatment decreased psychological distress 1 . A r and omized , controlled trial was carried out to examine whether changes in type and amount of dietary protein were responsible for earlier observations of blood-pressure-lowering effects of lacto-ovo-vegetarian diets . 2 . Sixty-four subjects were pair-matched for sex , age , weight and sitting systolic blood pressure , and were r and omly allocated to receive one of two types of protein supplement : one containing proteins from meat , the other proteins from non-meat sources . The supplements were balanced in terms of other nutrients . Consumption of other meat , poultry or fish was prohibited . 3 . Sitting and st and ing blood pressures , weight , dietary intakes and plasma and urinary electrolytes were measured at regular intervals during the 12 weeks of trial . Urinary 3-methylhistidine was used as a measure of compliance . 4 . Fifty subjects completed the trial . There were no statistically significant blood pressure differences between groups either at baseline or at end-of-trial , neither were there any substantive differences in mean blood pressure changes between baseline and end-of-trial . 3-Methyl-histidine excretion was significantly lower in subjects on the non-meat diet . 5 . The results suggest that the protein components of the lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet are not responsible for the blood-pressure-lowering effects of that diet The possible effect of diet on plasma lipids was investigated in a group of vegetarians . Seventy-three men and 43 women who had adhered to a vegetarian diet for an average of three years were studied in the fasting state and compared with a r and omly selected group of controls matched for age and sex . Mean cholesterol levels in milligrams per deciliter for vegetarians and controls , respectively , were 126 and 184 ; low-density lipoprotein , 73 and 118 ; very-low-density lipoprotein , 11.8 and 17.2 ; high-density lipoproteins , 42 and 49 ; and mean triglyceride levels 59 and 86 . Mean weight and subscapular skinfold thicknesses were 58 kg and 6 mm for vegetarians and 73 kg and 17 mm for controls . Similar differences in lipid levels were found between subgroups of 42 vegetarians and controls with identical mean weights . Multiple regression analyses showed that consumption of dairy foods and eggs , but not body weight , was associated with the lipoprotein and cholesterol findings Vegetarians have relatively low blood pressure ( BP ) levels and consume less protein than do nonvegetarians , and there have been suggestions that certain proteins may raise BP . To determine whether dietary protein supplements raise the BP of vegetarians , 58 g/per day of a 60:40 mixture of soy and wheat proteins and an isocaloric low protein supplement supplying 7 g/day of rice protein were added for 6-week periods to the diet of 18 vegetarians in a 2-group crossover design . Mean daily protein intake during consumption of the low and high protein supplements was 63 and 119 g , respectively . Mean BP was 109/72 mm Hg after the high protein and 108/71 mm Hg after the low protein diet . Consumption of other major nutrients , mean body weight , and sodium and potassium excretion did not change significantly . Thus , protein supplementation of a vegetarian diet that contained a below average but nutritionally adequate amount of protein did not significantly affect BP over 6 weeks BACKGROUND Higher protein diets are promoted for effective weight loss . Striated tissues in omnivorous diets contain high- quality protein , but limited data exist regarding their effects on bone . METHODS To examine the effects of energy restriction-induced weight loss with higher protein omnivorous diets versus lower protein vegetarian diets on  bone mineral density  in overweight postmenopausal women , two r and omized controlled feeding studies were conducted . In Study 1 , 28 women consumed 750 kcal/day energy deficit diets with 18 % energy from protein via lacto-ovo vegetarian sources ( normal protein , n = 15 ) or 30 % energy from protein with 40 % of protein from lean pork ( higher protein , n = 13 , omnivorous ) for 12 weeks . In Study 2 , 54 women consumed their habitual diet ( control , n = 11 ) or 1,250 kcal/day diets with 16 % energy from nonmeat protein sources ( n = 14 ) or 26 % energy from protein , including chicken ( n = 15 ) or beef ( n = 14 ) for 9 weeks . RESULTS Study 1 : With weight loss ( normal protein -11.2 % , higher protein -10.1 % ) , bone mineral density was not significantly changed in normal protein ( -0.003 ± 0.003 g/cm(2 ) , -0.3 % ) but decreased in higher protein ( -0.0167 ± 0.004 g/cm(2 ) , -1 . 4 % , group-by-time p < .05 ) . Study 2 : The control , nonmeat , chicken , and beef groups lost 1.5 % , 7.7 % , 10.4 % , and 8.1 % weight and 0.0 % , 0.4 % , 1.1 % , and 1.4 % bone mineral density , respectively . The change of bone mineral density was significant for chicken and beef compared with the control ( group-by-time , p < .05 ) . Markers of calcium metabolism and bone homeostasis in blood and urine were not changed over time or differentially affected by diet . CONCLUSION Consumption of higher protein omnivorous diets promoted decreased bone mineral density after weight loss in overweight postmenopausal women BACKGROUND Vegetarians have lower platelet and plasma concentrations of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids ( PUFAs ) than do omnivores . We recently showed that male vegetarians have higher platelet aggregability than do omnivores . OBJECTIVE We investigated whether male vegetarians ( n = 17 ) who consumed an increased amount of dietary alpha-linolenic acid ( ALA )  showed any changes in their tissue profile of PUFAs , plasma thromboxane concentrations , platelet aggregability , or hemostatic factors . DESIGN During the study , all subjects maintained their habitual vegetarian diets except that a proportion of dietary fat was replaced with vegetable oils and margarines that were provided . Initially , all subjects consumed a low-ALA diet ( containing safflower oil and safflower oil-based margarine ) for 14 d ; they then consumed either a moderate-ALA diet ( containing canola oil and canola oil-based margarine ) or a high-ALA diet ( containing linseed oil and linseed oil-based margarine ) for 28 d. Blood sample s were collected at day 0 ( baseline ) , day 14 , and day 42 . RESULTS Eicosapentaenoic acid , docosapentaenoic acid , total n-3 PUFAs , and the ratio of n-3 to n-6 PUFAs were significantly increased ( P < 0.05 ) , whereas the ratio of arachidonic acid to eicosapentaenoic acid was decreased ( P < 0.05 ) , in platelet phospholipids , plasma phospholipids , and triacylglycerols after either the moderate-ALA or high-ALA diet compared with the low-ALA diet . No significant differences were observed in thrombotic risk factors . CONCLUSION ALA from vegetable oils ( canola and linseed ) has a beneficial effect on n-3 PUFA concentrations of platelet phospholipids and plasma lipids in vegetarian males BACKGROUND There is limited evidence with regard to the effect of different sources of protein on appetite during weight loss . Vegetarian and meat-based high-protein diets may have contrasting effects on appetite and biomarkers of protein-induced satiety . OBJECTIVE The aim was to assess appetite response to meat or vegetarian high-protein weight-loss ( HPWL ) diets in obese men to monitor plasma amino acid profile and gut peptide response as potential satiety biomarkers . DESIGN Twenty obese [ body mass index ( in kg/m² ) : 34.8 ] men participated in a dietary intervention study . After 3 d of a maintenance diet , they were provided in a crossover design with either a vegetarian HPWL ( Soy-HPWL ) or a meat-based HPWL ( Meat-HPWL ) diet for 2 wk . Both diets comprised 30 % protein , 30 % fat , and 40 % carbohydrate , provided to measured resting metabolic rate . Body weight and the motivation to eat were measured daily . Plasma satiety biomarkers were collected during a test-meal challenge ( 5 h ) at the end of each diet period . RESULTS Over the 2 wk , subjects lost , on average , 2.41 and 2.27 kg with consumption of the Soy- and Meat-HPWL diets , respectively [ P = 0.352 ; SE of the difference ( SED ) : 0.1 ] . ANOVA confirmed that subjectively rated hunger ( P = 0.569 ; SED : 3.8 ) , fullness ( P = 0.404 ; SED : 4.1 ) , desire to eat ( P = 0.356 ; SED : 3.7 ) , preservation of lean body mass ( P = 0.334 ; SED : 0.2 ) , and loss of percentage fat mass ( P = 0.179 ; SED : 0.2 ) did not differ between the 2 HPWL diets . There were differences in absolute concentrations of ghrelin and peptide YY between the 2 HPWL diets , although the response as net area under the curve was not different . CONCLUSIONS Appetite control and weight loss were similar for both  HPWL diets . Gut hormone profile was similar between the diets , which suggests that vegetarian diets can be as effective as meat-based diets for appetite control during weight loss The composition of the gut microbiota can be influenced by dietary composition . In pregnancy , the maternal gut microbiome has associations with maternal and infant metabolic status . There is little known regarding the impact of a vegetarian diet in pregnancy on maternal gut microbiota . This study explored the gut microbiota profile in women who were vegetarian or omnivorous in early gestation . Women were selected from participants in the Study of PRobiotics IN Gestational diabetes ( SPRING ) r and omised controlled trial . Nine women identified as vegetarians were matched to  omnivorous women in a 1:2 ratio . Microbiota analyses were performed using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and analysed using the Quantitative Insights Into Microbial Ecology ( QIIME ) and Calypso software tools . There was no difference in alpha diversity , but beta diversity was slightly reduced in vegetarians . There were differences seen in the relative abundance of several genera in those on a vegetarian diet , specifically a reduction in Collinsella , Holdemania , and increases in the relative abundances of Roseburia and Lachnospiraceae . In this sub- analysis of gut microbiota from women in early pregnancy , a vegetarian as compared to omnivorous diet , was associated with a different gut microbiome , with features suggesting alterations in fermentation end products from a mixed acid fermentation towards more acetate/butyrate Summary Background Evidence indicates that food-derived Maillard 's reaction products are absorbed and yet can be detected in the circulation . Aim of the study We postulated that consumption of the heat-treated food by omnivores could be reflected by higher plasma levels of advanced glycation end products ( AGEs ) in comparison with vegetarians , who in cooking ( by keeping away from meat ) use lower temperatures and less time for heating . Methods Plasma fluorescent AGEs ( 350/450 nm ) and Ne-(carboxymethyl)lysine ( CML , competitive ELISA ) levels were investigated in  3 groups of healthy vegetarians ( 9 vegans-V , 19 lacto-ovo-vegetarians – VLO and 14 semi-vegetarians – VS ) and compared with those of age-matched omnivores ( O , n=19 ) . Mean duration of vegetarian diet was V : 7.2±1.0 , VLO : 8.2±0.8 and VS : 7.9±1.1 years . Results Both fluorescent AGE ( O : 9.9±0.5 ; V : 10.8±0.7 , LO : 13.1±0.8 * and SV : 11.6±1.2 ×103 AU ) , and CML levels ( O : 427.1±15.0 , V : 514.8±24.6 * , LO : 525.7±29.5 * * , SV : 492.6±18.0 * ng/ml ) were significantly lower in omnivores than in vegetarians . Plasma glucose , parameters of renal function ( plasma concentration of creatinine and cystatin C , calculated glomerular filtration rate – GFR ) as well as C-reactive protein levels were within the normal range and did not differ significantly between the groups . Thus , neither decline of kidney function nor inflammatory processes contributed to the rise in plasma AGEs . Conclusion Enhanced plasma AGE levels in vegetarians in comparison to omnivores are herein presented for the first time . Mechanisms of AGE elevation and potential pathophysiological relevance of this finding are to be eluci date d in prospect i ve studies Objective : To examine the serum fatty acid and lipid profiles and dietary intake of  Hong Kong Chinese omnivores and vegetarians  with respect to cardiovascular health . Design : R and om population survey stratified by age and sex . Subjects : One-hundred and ninety-four omnivore subjects ( 81 men , 113 women ) age 25–70 y , and 60 ovo-lacto-vegetarian adults ( 15 men , 45 women ) age 30–55 y. Measurements : Nutrient quantitation was by a food frequency method . Serum fatty acids were analysed by  gas chromatography , and serum lipid  by st and ard laboratory methods . Results : Compared with omnivores , vegetarians had higher serum concentrations of polyunsaturated ( PUFA ) and monosaturated fatty acids ( MUFA ) , and lower saturated fatty acids ( SFA ) , long chain omega-3 and trans fatty acids ( TFA ) . They also had lower serum cholesterol and higher apoA-I concentrations , but the LDL/HDL ratio was not different . The ratio of polyunsaturated to saturated fatty acids intake was higher in vegetarians . Compared with results from population s with higher incidences of coronary heart disease , while lower myristic and palmitic acid concentrations and higher eicosapentaneoic ( EPA ) and docosahexanoic acid ( DHA ) may partly account for the difference in incidence , linoleic acid concentration was higher . Although the Chinese vegetarian diet may be beneficial for heart health in that antioxidant and fibre intakes are higher and saturated fat lower , the low EPA and DHA due to omission from dietary source and suppressed formation by high linoleic acid level , and the presence of TFA in the diet , may exert an opposite effect . Conclusion : There are some favourable features in the serum fatty acid profile in the Hong Kong Chinese population with respect to cardiovascular health , but the consumption of TFA is of concern . The Chinese vegetarian diet also contains some adverse features . Sponsorship : This study is partly sponsored by the Hong Kong Health Services Research Grant . European Journal Of Clinical Nutrition ( 2000 ) 24 , OBJECTIVE To compare nutrient intakes between vegetarians and nonvegetarians with similar health practice s , and to assess relationships with eating behavior scores from the Three-Factor Eating Question naire . DESIGN Survey . SETTING Metropolitan area in western Canada . SUBJECTS Subjects ( n = 45 ) were participants in a study comparing sub clinical menstrual disturbances between vegetarians and nonvegetarians . To be included , women had to be 20 to 40 years old , be weight stable with a body mass index ( BMI ; kg/m2 ) of 18 to 25 , be a nonsmoker , exercise 7 hours a week or less , consume one alcoholic drink or less a day , and not be using oral contraceptives . Nonvegetarians ( n = 22 ) ate red meat three times a week or more , and  vegetarians ( n = 23 , 8 vegans and 15 lactovegetarians ) had excluded all meat , fish , and poultry for 2 years or more . MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Nutrient intake assessed by three 3-day  diet records ; supplement use ; body composition ; and dietary restraint ( conscious limitation of food intake ) , disinhibition , and hunger assessed by the Three-Factor Eating Question naire . STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED Anthropometric variables , nutrient intakes , and eating behavior scores were compared between vegetarians and nonvegetarians using unpaired t tests , and among vegans , lactovegetarians , and nonvegetarians using one-way analysis of variance and Duncan 's test . Supplement use was compared using chi 2 analysis . The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to evaluate relationships between variables . RESULTS Diets of all women adhered closely to current nutrition recommendations . Vegetarians had lower protein and cholesterol intakes and higher percentage of energy as carbohydrate , ratio of polyunsaturated fat to saturated fat ( P : S ratio ) , and fiber intake than nonvegetarians . Vegetarians had lower riboflavin , niacin , vitamin B-12 , zinc , and sodium intakes and higher folate , vitamin C , and copper intakes . However , many differences were not apparent between the subgroup of lactovegetarians and nonvegetarians ( their P : S ratios and carbohydrate , fiber , riboflavin , folate , vitamin C , and copper intakes were similar ) . In contrast , differences existed between the lactovegetarian and the vegan subgroups . Supplement use was similar between groups , except for greater vitamin C use by vegetarians . Vegetarians were leaner than nonvegetarians , had lower restraint scores , and had significant associations between restraint and BMI ( r = .49 ; P < .05 ) and energy per kilogram body weight ( r = -.60 ; P < .01 ) . APPLICATIONS/ CONCLUSIONS Current nutrition recommendations can be attained by vegetarians and nonvegetarians alike , but nutrient intakes can not be inferred from dietary pattern . In this study , the intakes of  health-conscious nonvegetarians and lactovegetarians  were more similar than the intakes of lactovegetarians and vegans . Vegans ' calcium and vitamin B-12 intakes may need attention . Vegetarians ' lower restraint scores suggest that they are not at increased risk for eating disorders Studies have examined nutrient differences among people following different plant-based diets . However , all of these studies have been observational . The aim of the present study was to examine differences in nutrient intake and Dietary Inflammatory Index ( DII ) scores among overweight and obese ( body mass index 25.0 - 49.9 kg/m(2 ) ) adults r and omized to receive dietary instruction on a vegan ( n = 12 ) , vegetarian ( n = 13 ) , pescovegetarian ( n = 13 ) , semivegetarian ( n = 13 ) , or omnivorous ( n = 12 ) diet during a 6-month r and omized controlled trial . Nutrient intake , nutrient adequacy , and DII score were assessed via two 24-hour dietary recalls ( Automated Self-Administered 24-Hour Dietary Recall ) at baseline and at 2 and 6 months . Differences in nutrient intake and the DII were examined using general linear models with follow-up tests at each time point . We hypothesized that individuals r and omized to the vegan diet would have lower DII scores and greater improvements in fiber , carbohydrate , fat , saturated fat , and cholesterol at both 2 and 6 months as compared with the other 4 diets . Participants r and omized to the vegan diet had significantly greater changes in most macronutrients at both time points , including fat and saturated fat , as well as cholesterol and , at 2 months , fiber , as compared with most of the other diet groups ( Ps < .05 ) . Vegan , vegetarian , and pescovegetarian participants all saw significant improvements in the DII score as compared with semivegetarian participants at 2 months ( Ps < .05 ) with no differences at 6 months . Given the greater impact on macronutrients and the DII during the short term , finding ways to provide support for adoption and maintenance of plant-based dietary approaches , such as vegan and vegetarian diets , should be given consideration Objective : To assess the mechanisms of the blood pressure-lowering effect of a vegetarian diet in the early and later stages of dietary intervention Design : After 2 weeks without intervention ( baseline ) , 20 normotensive men were matched for age and body mass index and r and omly allocated to an omnivorous ( control ) or a lacto-ovovegetarian diet for 6 weeks in a parallel trial Methods : Ambulatory blood pressures were recorded between 0800 and 1700 h on alternate days during the first week of intervention , twice in the second week and weekly thereafter . Blood sample s collected after a st and ard breakfast were analysed for plasma noradrenaline , adrenaline , atrial natriuretic peptide ( ANP ) , renin , aldosterone , glucose and insulin . Factor and multiple regression analyses were used to assess the association among neurohormonal factors , blood pressures and diet . Results were analysed for the first week of the diet and for the entire 6 weeks Results : Ambulatory blood pressures at work were lower on the vegetarian diet than in the controls . This blood pressure decrease was associated with a factor representing lower plasma catecholamine and renin activity levels throughout the study , and a factor representing reduced plasma glucose and insulin levels in week 1 of intervention only . Plasma ANP levels were significantly higher during week 1 of the vegetarian diet Conclusions : A blood pressure lowering effect of a vegetarian diet during normal working activity was shown . Using factors derived from the biochemical variables , results were in keeping with the hypothesis that these effects may be mediated by reduced sympatho-adrenal activity consequent to altered glucose and insulin h and ling . An early increase in plasma ANP may contribute to the blood pressure
Greater weight loss was reported in studies with higher baseline weights , smaller proportions of female participants , older participants , or longer duration s , and in studies in which weight loss was a goal .
The prescription of vegetarian diets  reduces mean body weight , suggesting potential value for prevention and management of weight-related conditions
In observational studies , vegetarians generally have lower body weights compared with omnivores .
However , weight changes that occur when vegetarian diets are prescribed have not been well quantified .
We estimated the effect on body weight when vegetarian diets are prescribed .