Does being vegetarian make you boyfriend material? Investigating the role of dietary preferences on mate appeal / ¿Ser vegetariano te convierte en un buen candidato a novio? Investigando el papel de las preferencias alimentarias en el atractivo como pareja

Background: Arterial stiffness and atherosclerosis are known risk factors for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Vegetarian diets have been associated with cardiovascular benefits, including improvements in metabolic parameters. However, the impact of a vegetarian diet on cardiovascular parameters, specifically arterial stiffness and atherosclerosis, in healthy individuals remains unclear. Thus, this study aims to analyze differences in arterial stiffness and atherosclerosis between vegetarian and omnivorous diets in healthy subjects. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following established guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for studies examining the association between vegetarian and omnivorous diets with arterial stiffness and atherosclerosis. Cross-sectional studies reporting carotid to femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWv) as a measure of arterial stiffness and carotid intima media thickness (c-IMT) as a measure of atherosclerosis were included. Data were synthesized using random effects models, and sensitivity analyses, meta-regressions, and assessment of publication bias were performed. Results: Ten studies were included in the systematic review, and seven studies were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled analysis demonstrated that individuals following a vegetarian diet had differences in the levels of arterial stiffness (cf-PWv) compared to those following an omnivorous diet (MD: -0.43 m s-1; 95% CI: -0.63, -0.23). Similarly, atherosclerosis (c-IMT) was found to be different in individuals adhering to a vegetarian dietary pattern (MD = -29.86 mm; 95% CI: -58.41, -1.32). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that a vegetarian diet is associated with improved arterial stiffness and reduced atherosclerosis in healthy individuals. These results support the inclusion of a well-balanced vegetarian dietary pattern in the prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases. However, further research is needed to explore the effects of a vegetarian diet on arterial health in diverse populations and to assess long-term cardiovascular outcomes.

The objective of the present study was two-fold: Firstly, to investigate unhealthy eating patterns and body mass index among individuals following a vegetarian diet and those following an omnivorous diet. Secondly, to examine interaction between vegetarian versus omnivorous diet and unhealthy eating patterns (orthorexia nervosa, cognitive restraint) and body mass index using a structural equation modeling approach (SEM). The study included 370 participants: 188 participants following a vegetarian diet and 182 following an omnivorous diet. Unhealthy eating patterns and body mass index were measured. Our results showed that individuals following a vegetarian diet were more likely to engage in orthorexic eating behavior compared to individuals following an omnivorous diet. In addition, they had a significantly lower levels of cognitive restraint and lower body mass index than individuals following an omnivorous diet. Use of SEM method showed that: (1) following a vegetarian diet and orthorexia nervosa were directly associated, (2) following an omnivorous diet and cognitive restraint were directly related and (3) following an omnivorous diet had a greater tendency to cognitive restraint and an elevated body mass index. More research is necessary to further understand the complexity of the relationship between type of diet and unhealthy eating patterns in adults.

Vegetarian diets have been suggested to be beneficial for bone health due to increased consumption of plant foods, including soya, or reduced consumption of meat. However, meat may also be beneficial for bone health. The evidence relating diet to bone health is based largely on studies of women, often in those at high risk of osteoporosis. Few studies have investigated dietary inter-relationships in men as well as women from general populations. We examined broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) of the calcaneum, using a CUBA clinical instrument, in 6,369 men and 5,379 postmenopausal women. The population was divided into four groups according to vegetarian status and frequency of soya consumption, which was defined by response to a food frequency questionnaire that estimates frequency of consumption of food types over the year prior to completion. Regular soya consumers were defined as those who ate soya products with a frequency of between once a day and once a week. Calcaneum BUA in vegetarian men was significantly lower than omnivores by approximately 6% (5 dB/MHz) and was 15% (13.6 dB/MHz) lower in those who were also regular soya consumers. This difference remained after adjustment for age, height, weight, smoking habit, physical activity, selected foods and nutrients and exclusion of those with a prior history of osteoporosis, fractures or cancer. Calcaneum BUA in omnivorous men with regular soya consumption was not lower than the remaining population. In women, there were no significant differences by usual dietary pattern. This surprising finding indicates that regular soya intake is not associated with better bone indices in vegetarian men. The difference in BUA was not explained by the known common covariates; however, it is possible that other aspects of lifestyle associated with these eating behaviors might explain this observation. Plausible mechanisms exist for our findings; soya contains phytoestrogens, likened to naturally occurring estrogens, and meat has been shown to influence levels of IGF-1 and sex hormone binding globulin, which may be related to bone health. Our findings emphasize the need for further research and investigation into dietary inter-relationships and bone health and the effects of vegetarian status, including consumption of soya-based foods, in men as well as women.

<h3></h3> Vegetarian diets contain many beneficial properties but also carry a risk of inadequate intakes of several nutrients important for muscle and bone health. The links between muscle and bone have been recently intensively examined. Myokines, including myostatin and irisin are cytokines synthesized and released by muscle tissue. It is known that myokines affect bone metabolism, however, the mechanisms of these interactions are not fully understood. The aim of the study was to assess serum concentrations of bone turnover markers and myokines in prepubertal children on vegetarian and omnivorous diets. The study included 30 healthy children (aged 5-9 years) on a lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet and 30 children on an omnivorous diet, who were under medical and dietary control at the Institute of Mother and Child in Warsaw (Poland). Anthropometric measurement, body composition (fat mass, lean mass, bone mineral content) and dietary constituents were assessed in all studied children. Body composition was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Dietary assessment was performed using a nutritional software program Dieta5. Concentrations of bone metabolism markers (osteocalcin – OC, C-terminal telopeptide of collagen type I – CTX) and myokines (myostatin and irisin) were determined in serum samples by immunoenzymatic assay. Statistical analyses were done using Statistica software. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee at the Institute of Mother and Child. There were no significant differences in the anthropometric parameters: weight, height and body mass index in both studied groups. Compared with omnivores, vegetarians had similar bone mineral contents but lower (p&lt;0.05) lean mass and percentage of fat mass. Average daily dietary energy intake was similar in both studied groups, however, vegetarians had a lower intake of protein and higher intake of carbohydrates compared with omnivores (both p&lt;0.05). The serum concentration of OC was significantly lower in children on a vegetarian diet compared with omnivores (66.9±13.7 vs. 85.2±20.5 ng/mL, p&lt;0.01). Additionally, levels of CTX were higher in vegetarians than in omnivores (1.970±0.341 vs. 1.597±0.351 ng/mL, p&lt;0.01). Serum myokines concentrations did not significantly differ in both studied groups of children, but we observed slightly higher (by about 15-20%) levels of myostatin and irisin in vegetarians. Our results show that a well-planned vegetarian diet with proper dairy and egg intake does not lead to changes in bone mass in prepubertal children. However, children following a vegetarian diet had a higher rate of bone turnover and subtle changes in serum myokine levels.

Approximately one-in-ten reproductive age adults in the USA follow a plant-based diet, yet there is limited information on the influence of vegan and vegetarian diets on the mineral composition of breast milk. This study explored the major and trace mineral composition in breast milk and associations with maternal diet patterns. We used a cross-sectional design to collect a single sample of breast milk from individuals following vegan (n 23), vegetarian (n 19) and omnivore (n 21) diet patterns. Plant-based diet (n 42) was defined as following either vegan or vegetarian diets. Sixteen minerals were assessed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Data were evaluated using traditional statistical techniques and five different machine learning approaches. The distribution of Se (median; quartile 1 and 3) was significantly different between groups (vegetarians 21, 18–26 µg/l; vegans 19, 18–25 µg/l and omnivores 17, 14–20 µg/l; P = 0·007) using a Kruskal–Wallis test. Machine learning techniques also identified Se as a potential biomarker for differentiating breast milk by maternal diet pattern. Individuals following a plant-based diet generally had a lower BMI, higher breast milk Se and lower breast milk I and Fe concentrations compared with those following omnivore diets. This suggests that maternal dietary pattern (plant-based v. omnivore) may be helpful clinical information to consider when caring for the breast-feeding dyad, with the strongest evidence related to differences in Se concentration.

Reduced subclinical carotid vascular disease and arterial stiffness in vegetarian men: The CARVOS Study

High blood lipids, blood glucose, or blood pressure ("3Bs") are established risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. However, the effects of vegetarian diets on these parameters were inconsistent in previous meta-analyses. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis with comprehensive subgroup analyses, quality assessment, and sensitivity analyses to confirm the effects of vegetarian diets on 3Bs. The literature was searched from PubMed, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases from the inception to February 2024. Human studies [both observational studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs)] related to vegetarian diets and reporting 3Bs were included. The subjects were adults; the intervention/exposure was vegetarian diet which excludes the consumption of any meat, fish, and seafood and the control was an omnivorous diet; the minimum study length was two weeks. The results showed that the vegetarian diets significantly reduced the blood total cholesterol [WMD: -0.54 (95% CI: -0.60, -0.48) mmol L-1, p < 0.001 for observational studies; WMD: -0.24 (95% CI -0.37, -0.10) mmol L-1, p < 0.001 for RCTs], low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [WMD: -0.41 (95% CI: -0.48, -0.34) mmol L-1, p < 0.001 for observational studies; WMD: -0.25 (95% CI: -0.38, -0.12) mmol L-1, p < 0.001 for RCTs], and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [WMD: -0.07 (95% CI: -0.09, -0.05) mmol L-1, p < 0.001 for observational studies; WMD: -0.07 (95% CI: -0.11, -0.04) mmol L-1, p < 0.001 for RCTs] level compared with the omnivorous diet in both healthy subjects and subjects with chronic diseases, while it had a null effect on the blood triglyceride level. In addition, the vegetarian diets significantly reduced the fasting blood glucose (FBG) [WMD: -0.35 (95% CI: -0.50, -0.21) mmol L-1, p < 0.001], glycated hemoglobin [WMD: -0.15 (95% CI: -0.28, -0.01) %, p = 0.034], and HOMA-IR [WMD: -0.98 (95% CI: -1.46, -0.51), p < 0.001] compared with the omnivorous diet, particularly when the duration was more than 12 weeks. The reduction effect on FBG was particularly significant by a vegan diet and/or in subjects with chronic diseases. The effects of the vegetarian and omnivorous diets on systolic and diastolic blood pressure were not significantly different.

There has been a growing interest globally in vegan and vegetarian diets over the last decade for a combination of health, ethical, environmental, spiritual, and social reasons. In line with this popularity, research examining the role of plant-based food sources, including vegan and vegetarian diets, in supporting skeletal muscle remodeling and anabolism in humans has also received considerable attention. The emergence of the microbiota-gut-muscle axis, a bidirectional pathway where the gut microbiota impacts skeletal muscle and vice versa, has been suggested as a potential mediator of food and nutrition's influence on the mechanistic processes that regulate muscle mass and function. Considering inherent nutritional differences between vegan, vegetarian, and omnivorous diets related to the fiber and macronutrient content, presence of anti-nutritional factors, and diverse food and supplemental sources for obtaining protein, it stands to reason that the regulation of the microbiota-gut-muscle axis via diet-induced changes in gut microbiota composition and function may be dissimilar. However, whether this translates into differential effects on the skeletal muscle is unclear. This review article aims to provide a contemporary perspective for how variations in gut microbiota linked to vegan, vegetarian, and omnivorous diets may be a potential mechanism for influencing protein metabolism in skeletal muscle mass via a purported microbiota-gut-muscle axis.

BackgroundVaricose veins (VVs), a common vascular disease is associated with a huge medical burden. The prevalence in women surpasses that in men. The role of vegetarian diets in the pathogenesis of the disease remains inconclusive. In this study, we examined the risk of VVs in vegetarian and non-vegetarian men and women.MethodsThe study involved 9905 adults whose data were obtained from Taiwan Biobank between 2008 and 2020. Information on VVs, sex, and vegetarian diets was obtained from participants’ self-responses to the Taiwan Biobank questionnaires.ResultsThe study subjects consisted of 4,142 men and 5,763 women. About 12% of men and 35% of women had VVs. Study participants were predominantly non-vegetarians (91.84% were men and 88.24% were women). Women had a higher risk of VVs than men. The odds ratio (OR); 95% confidence interval (CI) was 3.414; 2.995–3.891. There was a significant interaction between sex and vegetarian diets (p = 0.0034). Women were at higher risk of VVs than men both in the vegetarian (OR = 1.877, 95% CI = 1.270–2.774) and non-vegetarian (OR = 3.674, 95% CI = 3.197–4.223) groups. Based on vegetarian diets, only vegetarian men had a higher risk of VVs (OR = 1.453, 95% CI = 1.069 to 1.976). Based on the sex-stratified model, the risk of VVs was significantly higher in vegetarian men (OR = 1.457, 95% CI = 1.072–1.979), and in vegetarian and non-vegetarian women with corresponding ORs (95% CI) of 3.101 (2.528–3.803) and 3.599 (3.140–4.124), respectively.ConclusionWomen were more susceptible to varicose veins compared to men, regardless of diet. However, in terms of diet, only men who followed a vegetarian diet were at greater risk for developing VVs.

Content and bioavailability of trace elements in vegetarian diets

A Vegetarian Diet Rich in Soybean Products Compromises Iron Status in Young Students

Vegetarian diets contain many beneficial properties but also carry a risk of inadequate intakes of several nutrients important for muscle and bone health. The links between muscle and bone have...

The growing popularity of plant-based diets has prompted increased interest in their potential health benefits and long-term effects. This research aims to investigate the impact of vegan, vegetarian, and omnivorous diets on long-term health outcomes, including chronic disease prevention, weight management, and overall life expectancy. A comparative analysis was conducted, drawing on existing cohort studies and randomized trials to evaluate key health markers such as body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and the incidence of diseases like cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. The nutritional adequacy of these diets, particularly in relation to essential nutrients like protein, vitamin B12, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids, was also assessed. Preliminary findings suggest that while plant-based diets are associated with lower risks of chronic diseases and improved weight management, attention to specific nutrient deficiencies is crucial for maintaining optimal health. The study concludes that well-planned vegan and vegetarian diets can offer significant long-term health benefits, but omnivorous diets, when balanced and rich in plant foods, may also contribute to positive health outcomes. Further research is needed to explore the sustainability and global applicability of plant-based diets, especially in diverse populations.

An increasing number of people have adhered to a vegetarian diet for several years. Nowadays, the favourable effect of this dietary pattern on metabolic diseases is well established, but its impact on fertility and reproductive health as a serious health concern is not clear yet. Therefore, we aim to summarise existing evidence regarding the possible association between a vegetarian diet and fertility as measured by key indicators such as sperm quality and sex hormone levels. We systematically searched online databases, including PubMed, ISI, Scopus and Google Scholar, up to 1 December 2022 using relevant keywords. We included observational studies that compared semen quality, sex hormone levels and infertility in people who adhered to a vegetarian diet versus an omnivore diet. Heterogeneity between studies was assessed using I2 and Q tests. Standardised mean differences (SMD) using a random/fixed model were calculated to assess outcomes between vegetarians and omnivores in included articles. Finally, out of 972 documents that were retrieved, 20 articles met our inclusion criteria, and 16 were eligible for quantitative synthesis. Results of meta-analyses showed that there were no significant differences between vegetarians and omnivores in terms of semen quality parameters, including total sperm count, total and progressive sperm motility, sperm morphology and sperm concentration. Seven studies on female sex hormone profiles were eligible for meta-analysis. The only significant difference was the lower level of plasma oestrone in vegetarians (pooled SMD: -0.56; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -1.08, -0.05; p-value = 0.03) compared to omnivores. Furthermore, our meta-analysis revealed significantly higher sex-hormone-binding globulin levels in vegetarian men than in omnivores (pooled SMD: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.18, 0.86; p-value = 0.002). Despite the numerous health benefits of a vegetarian diet, our review suggested that there were no conclusive positive or negative associations between vegetarian diet and semen quality, sex hormone levels and infertility. Further studies are recommended to better understand vegetarian dietary pattern effect on infertility and reproductive health.

The performance of an athlete is the result of a complex interplay of various factors, with diet representing a particularly crucial component. Nutritional profiles of vegetarian diets vary considerably from those of omnivorous diets. In our research, we propose that vegetarian diets may offer advantageous properties for endurance sportsmen. This review examines the distinctions between vegetarian and omnivorous diets and addresses these differences in the context of the nutritional requirements of athletes. The initial focus is on fundamental nutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Subsequently, the emphasis shifts to micronutrients. This analysis also encompasses the challenges and advantages associated with vegetarian diets. The subsequent section concerns the cardiovascular system, which is arguably the most crucial for endurance athletes. It examines the interaction between the cardiovascular system and other physiological factors, including dyslipidaemia, blood pressure and body weight. It also considers the impact of dietary modifications on these parameters and their influence on athletic performance. Finally, the recent research on the effects of a vegetarian diet on the performance of endurance athletes is presented. Despite a lack of conclusive evidence, recent research suggests that vegetarian diets may confer certain benefits, particularly in terms of endurance training. Although there is a paucity of rigorous research in this field, the existing evidence suggests that these dietary regimens may result in overall enhanced health and improved outcomes.