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 .
Serum fatty acid, lipid profile and dietary intake of Hong Kong Chinese omnivores and vegetarians
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 ,
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 .