Nutrition, Physique, Muscular Strength And Health Aspects In Vegetarian And Non-vegetarian Seniors (>65yrs)

Abstract

Epidemiological studies on vegetarians indicate that a well balanced vegetarian diet offers several health benefits. The prevalence of prosperity diseases is significantly lower in vegetarians compared to omnivores. PURPOSE: It was the purpose of the present study to compare the health and physical fitness status in a group of vegetarian (V) and non-vegetarian (NV) seniors. METHODS: Twenty three female and 7 male NV aged >65 years (female: 84.3±5.0yrs, male: 80.6±7.3yrs) and 22 female and 7 male V aged >65 years (female: 84.1±5.1yrs, male: 80.5±7.5yrs) participated. All subjects were free of major disease or physical handicap. Medical history, dietary analysis (FFQ), blood profile, anthropometrics, and muscular strength were registered. RESULTS: Mean BMI was 26.8±3.7 kg/m2 in the female NV subjects, 26.1±4.7 kg/m2 in the female V subjects, 25.2±4.2 kg/m2 in the male NV subjects and 23.5±3.7 kg/m2 in the male V subjects (p>0.05). The general questionnaire revealed a lower morbidity in the V subjects compared to the NV subjects, with lower use of medication (52%) in the V subjects compared to the NV (77%) (p<0.05). Mean daily energy intake was 8.0±1.4 MJ in the NV females, whereas the 6.8±2.0 MJ in V females did not reach the recommended value of 7.8 MJ (p<0.05). Male V and NV groups had a mean daily energy intake of 8.7±1.6 MJ and 8.7±1.2 MJ respectively (ref: 8.8 MJ). Mean carbohydrate intake was too low (V: 47.9±7.0E%, NV: 42.8±4.1E%), while protein (V: 17.5±3.4E%, NV: 20.3±2.7E%), and fat intake (V: 33.7±7.5E%, NV: 33.9±3.7E%) were too high (p<0.05). Mean vitamin and mineral intakes met the RDA's in both groups. Blood concentrations for vitamin B12, Folic acid, Fe, and Ca were normal in both groups. Zn blood serum was below the reference value in both groups, while estimated Zn intake was sufficient. The mean blood cholesterol concentration was below the 200 mg/dl upper limit in the NV (182±45mg/dl) group and above that limit in the V group (213±40mg/dl). Both groups scored under the reference values for the strength tests. CONCLUSIONS: Comparing V and NV seniors our results show a similar profile for both groups concerning nutritional intake (except for energy intake between the female groups), blood values (except for cholesterol), physical performance capacity and body composition. V had a lower morbidity and use of medication.