Conclusions Plant-based diets are associated with decreased total cholesterol , low-density lipoprotein cholesterol , and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol , but not with decreased triglycerides .
Context Although a recent meta- analysis of r and omized controlled trials showed that adoption of a vegetarian diet reduces plasma lipids , the association between vegetarian diets and long-term effects on plasma lipids has not been subjected to meta- analysis .
Objective The aim was to conduct a systematic review and meta- analysis of observational studies and clinical trials that have examined associations between plant-based diets and plasma lipids .
Plasma lipids and lipoproteins in vegetarians and controls.
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
Conclusions Plant-based diets are associated with decreased total cholesterol , low-density lipoprotein cholesterol , and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol , but not with decreased triglycerides .
Context Although a recent meta- analysis of r and omized controlled trials showed that adoption of a vegetarian diet reduces plasma lipids , the association between vegetarian diets and long-term effects on plasma lipids has not been subjected to meta- analysis .
Objective The aim was to conduct a systematic review and meta- analysis of observational studies and clinical trials that have examined associations between plant-based diets and plasma lipids .