Lactovegetarian Diet Research Articles

A vegetable fat-based diet delays psychomotor and cognitive development compared with maternal dairy fat intake in infant gray mouse lemurs

Dairy fat has a unique lipid profile; it is rich in short- and medium-chain saturated fatty acids that induce ketone production and has a balanced ω6/ω3 ratio that promotes cognitive development in early life. Moreover, the high consumption of vegetable oils in pregnant and lactating women raises concerns regarding the quality of lipids provided to offspring. Here, we investigate maternal dairy fat intake during gestation and lactation in a highly valuable primate model for infant nutritional studies, the gray mouse lemur (Microcebus murinus). Two experimental diets are provided to gestant mouse lemurs: a dairy fat-based (DF) or vegetable fat-based diet (VF). The psychomotor performance of neonates is tested during their first 30 days. Across all tasks, we observe more successful neonates born to mothers fed a DF diet. A greater rate of falls is observed in 8-day-old VF neonates, which is associated with delayed psychomotor development. Our findings suggest the potential benefits of lipids originating from a lactovegetarian diet compared with those originating from a vegan diet for the psychomotor development of neonates.

Ancient Indian Diet – A Balanced Diet for the Healthy Diversity of Gut Microbiota and Management of Asthma

Modernization, a stressful lifestyle, attachment to a Western diet, and the use of preserved and processed foods lead to a loss of homeostasis of intestinal microbial diversity. The use of refined flour and refined sugar, which lack of micro biota-accessible carbohydrates (MAC), means dietary fiber high salt consumption, and saturated fats in fried and packaged foods cause gut microbiota dysbiosis. Microbial dysbiosis caused by high fat, salt, and lack of fiber causes several metabolic diseases, including asthma. The objective of the study is to develop a hypothetic model that “Ancient Indian diet” which is inspired by thousands of years of Indian science, including Yoga, Ayurveda, and Naturopathy may maintain the diversity of the gut microbiota and may inhibits the asthmatic symptoms by enhancing the growth of antiasthmatic bacteria. A keyword search utilizing the phrases "western diet, beneficial microbiota, asthma, gut microbial dysbiosis, Ancient Indian diet" was conducted electronically search through the SCOPUS ,Science Direct ,PubMed, Web of Science, and PsycINFO databases. Search criteria are divided into two arms the first one includes different full-text research papers including how Indian diet altered gut microbial composition. The second one, we included the full text including how presence of certain gut microbiota can prevents the asthmatic attack. To find publications that met the eligibility requirements, the first and third authors separately reviewed each publication's title and abstract using the previously described inclusion criteria. We have included 124 research articles, which is published between 1989 to 2024. A plant-based ancient Indian diet increases the diversity of Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Prevotella, Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Ruminococcus, Roseburia, Lactobacillus, Lachnospira, Akkermansia and shows inhibitory effects against Clostridium, E. coli, Staphylococcus, Haemophilus, Moraxella and Neisseria. The ancient Indian diet a low-fat lacto-vegetarian diet maintains gut microbiota homeostasis, and suppresses the growth of pathogenic asthmatic bacteria and promotes the growth of beneficial asthmatic bacteria.

Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis of Food Consumption in Household Kitchen of Rural Haryana: A Community-based Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Food availability is essential for addressing malnutrition. However, nutritional adequacy, which includes both the quantity and quality of food, is equally important. In India, the household serves as the fundamental unit of food consumption, and the health of all household members reflects the nutrient adequacy at this level. Aim: To assess the quantity and quality of food prepared in household kitchens in rural India. Materials and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2021 to June 2022 in village Juan, Haryana, India. Ninety households were selected using systematic random sampling. A dietary assessment was conducted to evaluate the food consumed at the household level. Additionally, a general physical examination was performed on all household members (n=405). The data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0, and the Chi-square test was applied to identify associations between micronutrients (iron, calcium, and folic acid) and socio-demographic variables (social caste, socioeconomic status, and household size). Results: Out of the 90 households, the majority (52.2%) followed a lacto-vegetarian diet and had adequate calorie intake (more than the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA)) (80%), protein intake (97.8%), and fat intake (86.7%). However, only 34.4% (n=31) and 20% (n=18) of households had sufficient iron and folic acid intake, respectively, resulting in over half (51.1%) of the household members being clinically anaemic. Approximately one-third (31%) of the household members were found to be overweight. Conclusion: Despite the majority of households having an adequate quantity of food, there was a high prevalence of anaemia and malnutrition. Therefore, it is not only the quantity of food that is crucial for an individual’s health but also the quality and source of food.

Meal Patterns for Vegetarians

Presented in the paper are three eating patterns for various types of vegetarians. Meal pattern no. 1 stresses the vitality of the replacement of the lack of vitamins and minerals associated with the strict vegan diet. Meal pattern no. 2 emphasizes the inclusion of foods to reduce the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in the daily lacto-vegetarian diet. As well as that meal pattern no. 2 increases methionine and tryptophane in human blood. Meal pattern no. 3 intended for lacto-ovo-vegetarians is a balanced diet dominated by complex carbohydrates and an increased level of antioxidants in the diet.

What are the health risk and benefits in adults adhering to a vegan versus lacto-vegetarian diet?

What are the health risk and benefits in adults adhering to a vegan versus lacto-vegetarian diet?

Оценка обеспеченности витамином D детей, соблюдающих ограничительные диеты

At present, the popularity of various restrictive diets tends to increase in most countries of the world. Purpose. To assess the vitamin D status in children who follow restrictive eating patterns. Patients and methods. We examined 80 school-age children who were on restrictive diets: 40 children on a dairy-free diet, and 40 children on a vegetarian (lacto-vegetarian) type of diet. The control group consisted of 30 children who did not follow restrictive diets. Results. The percentage of children with vitamin D insufficiency among school-age children on a lacto-vegetarian diet was 62.5 ± 7.8 %. Vitamin D deficiency in this group was found in 17.5 ± 6.1 %. Normal calcidiol levels in children of this group were found only in 20.0 ± 6.4 %. The percentage of children with vitamin D insufficiency in school-age children on a dairy-free diet was 60.0 ± 7.8 %. Vitamin D deficiency in this group was found in 15.0 ± 5.7 %. Normal calcidiol levels were recorded only in 25.0 ± 7.0 %. Conclusion. As has been found, vitamin D insufficiency is common among school-age children on restrictive diets. At the same time, this imbalance is equally characteristic for children on a lacto-vegetarian diet as well as for children who follow a dairy-free diet. Key words: dairy-free diet, vegetarian diet, vitamin D, children

Effect of short term yoga on body weight, BMI, body fat percentage & blood pressure

Introduction and Objectives: Obesity and hypertension contribute to increased morbidity and mortality in many diseases. Yoga therapy is a multifunctional exercise modality involving a lifestyle change with numerous benefits. Benefits of long term yoga in controlling obesity and hypertension are well documented. The objective of this study was to study the short-term impact of a brief lifestyle intervention based on yoga on body weight, BMI, body fat percentage & blood pressure. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted at a non-residential one week long yoga camp and involved 51 males and 64 females aged between 18-60 years. Participants were expected to be on a homemade lacto-vegetarian diet and advised to restrict sugar, salt and fat intake. The protocol of Yogatherapy included warmup exercises, pranayams, backward, forward and side bending & twisting asanas followed by shavasana and meditation. The participants underwent 1.5 hours daily yoga program for seven days under supervision of certified yoga professionals. Pre and post camp parameters were assessed by recording body weight, height, body fat percentage, body fat mass systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure. Student T test was used for statistical analysis. Results: There was decrease in mean body weight (by 1.25 & 1.37 kg), BMI (by 0.46 & 0.57), body fat mass (by 0.73 & 0.94 kg), body fat percentage (by 0.79 & 0.61%), systolic blood pressure (by 1 & 4.3 mmHg) & diastolic blood pressure (by 0.4 & 3.1 mmHg) in males & females respectively. All the observations were statistically significant except the changes in systolic & diastolic BP in males. Conclusion: A seven day yoga intervention does cause some reduction in weight, body fat mass, body fat percentage, BMI, less so in systolic and diastolic blood pressures, but regular yoga for longer durations may be required for tangible, sustained reduction in these parameters to benefit the individual. Keywords: Short term yoga, Obesity, Body f

Effects of lacto-vegetarian diet and stabilization core exercises on body composition and pain in women with fibromyalgia: randomized controlled trial

fibromyalgia is a disease of unknown origin characterized by chronic muscular pain. The lack of knowledge about this disease is one of the main causes that makes complex to make a diagnosis and an appropriate treatment. the main objective of this study was to know the efficacy of a physiotherapy treatment combined with a lacto-vegetarian dietary-nutritional intervention, on low back pain and body composition in women with fibromyalgia. twenty-one women were randomly divided into three groups: A (core stabilization exercises + lacto-vegetarian diet), B (placebo + lacto-vegetarian diet) and C (control). The intervention lasted 4 weeks. Pain assessments (EVA scale) and body composition (bioimpedance) were performed at the beginning and at the end of the intervention. group A showed significant changes in pain reduction and body composition at the end of the intervention, increasing muscle mass and decreasing fat mass. In addition, this group significantly improved outcomes compared to groups B and C. The correlations showed a relationship between muscle mass and pain reduction referred to at the end of the study in patients in group A. four-week intervention program combining core stabilization exercises plus lacto-vegetarian diet in patients with fibromyalgia who have low back pain contributes to pain reduction and improved body composition.

A randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effects of high Protein Complete (lActo) VEgetaRian (PACER) diet in non-diabetic obese Asian Indians in North India

In view of the increasing prevalence of obesity in largely vegetarian Asian Indians, it is important to research a high protein, low carbohydrate vegetarian diet. The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of a “High Protein Complete (lacto) VEgetaRian Diet (Acronym; ‘PACER diet’), on weight, body composition and metabolic profiles in non-diabetic obese Asian Indians living in north India.In this 8-week randomized control trial, 102 vegetarian subjects with body mass index (BMI) >25 kg/m2 were randomized to either a test diet (PACER diet; high protein, high fat and moderately low carbohydrate, lacto-vegetarian diet) or control diet (standard vegetarian diet formulated as the dietary guidelines for Asian Indians) after 4 weeks of diet and exercise run-in period. A standard exercise protocol was followed for both groups. Body weight, BMI, waist circumference (WC), blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting serum insulin and lipid profile were assessed before and after the intervention.There was significant weight loss along with improvements in cardio-metabolic risk factors among both the groups post intervention. Percent reductions in the intervention group for weight (6.1± 2.9; p < 0.001), WC (3.9 ± 1.7; p < 0.001), FPG (5.9 ± 3.2; p < 0.001), total cholesterol (10.2 ± 6.3: p < 0.001), serum triacylglycerol (13.6 ± 10.6; p < 0.001) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (11.9 ± 7.1; p < 0.001]) were significantly greater than the control diet group. In summary, intervention with a PACER diet (high protein, high fat and moderately low carbohydrate, lacto-vegetarian diet) showed significant improvement in weight loss, body composition and cardio-metabolic profile as compared to a standard vegetarian diet among obese Asian Indians in north India.

Lacto-Vegetarian Diet and Correlation of Fasting Blood Sugar with Lipids in Population Practicing Sedentary Lifestyle

ABSTRACTRising burden of diabetes in India requires quick intervention that integrates policies and programs for effective prevention and control of disease. This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted to observe effect of diet in two Indian communities practicing sedentary lifestyle. Fasting blood samples were analyzed for blood sugar, glycated-hemoglobin (HbA1C), and lipid profile. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) measurements were recorded. Diabetes incidence was lower in lacto-vegetarian (1.7%) than in non-vegetarian group (5.3%) despite similar lipid profiles and BMI/WC between the groups. Fasting blood sugar (FBS) was positively correlated with LDL and VLDL levels and negatively correlated with HDL, only in lacto-vegetarian group. Study suggests: (1) Indian lacto-vegetarian diet has beneficial effects on diabetes incidence irrespective of high body weight and sedentary lifestyle; (2) intervention to reduce body lipids, such as lipid-lowering drugs and exercise, may have greater effect in reducing FBS levels in this lacto-vegetarian group.

A multi-dimensional metric for facilitating sustainable food choices in campus cafeterias

Demand-side initiatives to alter food choices have been repeatedly identified as important tools in reducing the environmental and resource use impacts of our global food systems, and effective strategies to identify and motivate key dietary changes are needed. The environmental and resource use impacts of the most common meals served in the undergraduate residence cafeterias at McGill University in Montreal are evaluated and presented, to inform sustainable food choices in an easy to use manner. The life-cycle land and water use, and greenhouse gas emissions for the 19 most-used ingredients are calculated and compared for different iterations of two typical meals using these ingredients, accounting for multiple origins, methods of production of ingredients, and meal types. These three metrics are kept distinct to better communicate trade-offs and inform decision-making. Overall, meals containing beef and cheese have 2–12 times higher associated water, land use and greenhouse gas emissions impacts than meals with other protein sources and drive impacts more than provenance or production methods assessed. The impacts of eggs and chicken are comparable to or lower than those of many plant-based ingredients. This suggests that the adoption of a lacto-vegetarian diet has an unclear environmental benefit; eating chicken instead of cheese would be more beneficial in some cases. For some ingredients, impacts vary greatly depending on their provenance, independent of transport. There are also substantial trade-offs between the metrics for greenhouse vegetables, but these trade-offs are minimized in milder climates. Given this high context dependence, greater transparency is needed in supply chains at the consumer level, to improve the reliability of food sustainability metrics.

Carrying capacity of U.S. agricultural land: Ten diet scenarios

Abstract Strategies for environmental sustainability and global food security must account for dietary change. Using a biophysical simulation model we calculated human carrying capacity under ten diet scenarios. The scenarios included two reference diets based on actual consumption and eight “Healthy Diet” scenarios that complied with nutritional recommendations but varied in the level of meat content. We considered the U.S. agricultural land base and accounted for losses, processing conversions, livestock feed needs, suitability of land for crops or grazing, and land productivity. Annual per capita land requirements ranged from 0.13 to 1.08 ha person-1 year-1 across the ten diet scenarios. Carrying capacity varied from 402 to 807 million persons; 1.3 to 2.6 times the 2010 U.S. population. Carrying capacity was generally higher for scenarios with less meat and highest for the lacto-vegetarian diet. However, the carrying capacity of the vegan diet was lower than two of the healthy omnivore diet scenarios. Sensitivity analysis showed that carrying capacity estimates were highly influenced by starting assumptions about the proportion of cropland available for cultivated cropping. Population level dietary change can contribute substantially to meeting future food needs, though ongoing agricultural research and sustainable management practices are still needed to assure sufficient production levels.

Cross-sectional and longitudinal comparisons of metabolic profiles between vegetarian and non-vegetarian subjects: a matched cohort study.

Several previous cross-sectional studies have shown that vegetarians have a better metabolic profile than non-vegetarians, suggesting that a vegetarian dietary pattern may help prevent chronic degenerative diseases. However, longitudinal studies on the impact of vegetarian diets on metabolic traits are scarce. We studied how several sub-types of vegetarian diets affect metabolic traits, including waist circumference, BMI, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol (TC), HDL, LDL, TAG and TC:HDL ratio, through both cross-sectional and longitudinal study designs. The study used the MJ Health Screening database, with data collected from 1994 to 2008 in Taiwan, which included 4415 lacto-ovo-vegetarians, 1855 lacto-vegetarians and 1913 vegans; each vegetarian was matched with five non-vegetarians based on age, sex and study site. In the longitudinal follow-up, each additional year of vegan diet lowered the risk of obesity by 7 % (95 % CI 0·88, 0·99), whereas each additional year of lacto-vegetarian diet lowered the risk of elevated SBP by 8 % (95 % CI 0·85, 0·99) and elevated glucose by 7 % (95 % CI 0·87, 0·99), and each additional year of ovo-lacto-vegetarian diet increased abnormal HDL by 7 % (95 % CI 1·03, 1·12), compared with non-vegetarians. In the cross-sectional comparisons, all sub-types of vegetarians had lower likelihoods of abnormalities compared with non-vegetarians on all metabolic traits (P<0·001 for all comparisons), except for HDL and TAG. The better metabolic profile in vegetarians is partially attributable to lower BMI. With proper management of TAG and HDL, along with caution about the intake of refined carbohydrates and fructose, a plant-based diet may benefit all aspects of the metabolic profile.

SHORT TERM EFFECTS ON LIPID PROFILE AND GLYCAEMIA OF A LOW-FAT VEGETARIAN DIET

vegetarian diets have been associated with lower risk of cardiovascular disease and a more favourable lipid profile in vegetarians who follow these diets for a long term period in observational studies, but the short-term effects of vegetarian diets are less known. our objective was to analyze the short-term effects of a low-fat vegetarian diet on lipid profile and fasting glucose in previously non-vegetarian subjects from a Mediterranean population. we carried out a nutritional intervention study in 159 volunteers (42 men and 117 women). A whole lacto-vegetarian diet low in fat (20%) was administered. A full daily menu was provided for 15 days under strict interned conditions. Fasting blood samples were obtained before and after dietary intervention and total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C, triglycerides and fasting glucose were determined. Multivariate models for repeated measures were used. after dietary intervention, we detected statistically significant reductions in total cholesterol (-17.54 ± 37.14 mg/dl), LDL-C (-9.33 ± 34.29 mg/dl), HDL-C (-5.32 ± 12.16 mg/dl), and triglycerides (-18.92 ± 50.50 mg/dl). These reductions remained statistically significant after adjustment for sex and age. Significant weight changes were also detected. The additional adjustment for changes in body mass index (BMI) attenued the significance of the decrease in triglycerides (P = 0.067). a lacto-vegetarian diet low in fat, produces favourable and significant decreases in total cholesterol, LDL-C (independent of weight loss) and triglycerides (mediated by weight loss). This intervention also produced an expected decrease in HDL-C due to its reduced fat content.

DO SIBERIAN YOGA PRACTITIONERS RISK HEALTH IF THEY FOLLOW LACTO VEGETARIAN DIET?

Background: Practicing yoga has become widely popular in Siberia and vegetarian diet constitutes one of its most important assumptions with a great impact on the human body. However, vegetarians are not the tradition in Siberia.Aim of the study: To evaluate the diet and assess whether Siberian yoga practitioners risk health reducing some nutrients’ intake. Material and methods: 47 Siberian women practicing yoga (program “Art of Living”), aged 31.9±7.4 years and the residents of Krasnoyarsk city were examined. Their height and weight were recorded. Then, the values of height and weight were used to calculate their BMI. After that, their current food consumption was assessed using a 24-hour nutritional recall. The recall was the basis to assess the quantitative content, composition and nutritional value of their average daily nutrition ration. The mean energy values and the levels of basic food components were calculated with the use of the computer program. The studies were conducted in the winter-spring period.Results: The data shows that, within the group of women examined in the study, over- or under-nutrition in accordance to the classification of BMI 20.88±2.51 kg/m2 have not been found. Their daily diet includes milk and dairy products, grains, legumes, nuts, cereals, vegetables, fruit, dried fruit, berries, leafy greens, seeds and herbs. Lacto vegetarian sportswomen have 4–5 meals a day with the use of up to 2 liters of water. The diet contains a variety of products and takes energy from carbohydrates, proteins and fats. The diet provides quantitative protein content, but it should be designed to avoid the use of proteins as the energy source. The ratio of proteins vs. fats vs. carbohydrates was 1 : 1 : 3.96, which can be considered as the norm for proteins and fats, but not for carbohydrates (recommendations for sportsmen 1 : 1 : 5). In our opinion, the energy goals were not met due to low intake of carbohydrates in women group practicing yoga in Siberia. The daily average consumption of vitamins in the group corresponds to the consumption of vitamins in the whole Russian population. Unfortunately, there is the imbalance between calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P) and magnesium (Mg) in the dietary habits which is not positive for the musculoskeletal system. We have also identified a high consumption of sodium (Na) and low of potassium (K), which can lead to some kidney and heart disorders. Conclusions: The research has helped us to answer the question whether Siberian yoga practitioners risk health if they are lacto vegetarians. Here are the findings: 1. Among lacto vegetarian yoga practitioners from Siberia over- or under-nutrition in accordance to the classification of BMI have not been found. 2. Lacto vegetarian yoga practitioners have appropriate nutritional habits: 4–5 meals a day with the use of up to 2 litres of water. 3. Food set has plastic, energy and biologically stimulating regulatory value. 4. Siberian female yoga practitioners have low (2%) probable risk of osteoporosis caused by inadequate intake of Ca in their daily diet and medium-risk (16%) of anemia caused by iron (Fe) deficiency and, therefore, they should supplement their diet using mineral supplements from the pharmacy. Certainly, vegetarians are not the tradition from the point of view of Siberia where it is difficult to find fresh vegetables, but lacto vegetarian diet can be successfully used.

Fundamentos da nutrição antroposófica

This research aims to present the conceptual foundations of Nutrition under the premises of An¬throposophy, a modern spiritual science developed by Rudolf Steiner. Authors dedicated to Anthroposophic Medicine and Nutrition were used to explore the theme. The anthroposophic approach to healthy individu¬als assumes that a wholesome, biodynamic and lacto vegetarian diet is ideal for the balanced development of the contemporary human being. It also emphasizes the importance of the rhythm in feeding and is based on the concepts of tetra-dimensional parts of the physical body, three folding and vitality. The relationship between food and temperaments is also considered. This diet pretends to stimulate the body at different le¬vels. Beyond the effects of a good nutrition, the diet would conduce to a state of general well being. Anthro¬posophical Nutrition also claims that the forces found in fresh food, produced in accordance with the laws of nature, are able to harmonize the physical and etheric bodies stimulating a healthy psychic-spiritual development. Beyond the complexity that involves the purpose, the anthroposophical healthy food concept dialogues with the directives of the recent public policies of nutrition and food and nutritional security.

Chinese Lacto‐Vegetarian Diet Exerts Favorable Effects on Metabolic Parameters, Intima‐Media Thickness, and Cardiovascular Risks in Healthy Men

To investigate whether the Chinese lacto-vegetarian diet has protective effects on metabolic and cardiovascular disease (CVD). One hundred sixty-nine healthy Chinese lacto-vegetarians and 126 healthy omnivore men aged 21-76 years were enrolled. Anthropometric indexes, lipid profile, insulin sensitivity, pancreatic β cell function, and intima-media thickness (IMT) of carotid arteries were assessed and compared. Cardiovascular risk points and probability of developing CVD in 5-10 years in participants aged 24-55 years were calculated. Compared with omnivores, lacto-vegetarians had remarkably lower body mass index, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and serum levels of triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, γ-glutamyl transferase, serum creatinine, uric acid, fasting blood glucose, as well as lower total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio. Vegetarians also had higher homeostasis model assessment β cell function and insulin secretion index and thinner carotid IMT than the omnivores did. These results corresponded with lower cardiovascular risk points and probability of developing CVD in 5-10 years in vegetarians 24-55 years old. In healthy Chinese men, the lacto-vegetarian diet seems to exert protective effects on blood pressure, lipid profiles, and metabolic parameters and results in significantly lower carotid IMT. Lower CVD risks found in vegetarians also reflect the beneficial effect of the Chinese lacto-vegetarian diet.

Effects of a shift from a mixed diet to a lacto-vegetarian diet on some coronary heart disease risk markers

Background: There is convincing evidence that vegetarians have lower incidence of coronary heart disease, but there is a debate as to why this is the case. Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate whether a shift from a mixed diet to a lacto-vegetarian diet would lead to a decrease in risk for coronary heart diseases indicated by surrogate markers. Design: Twenty volunteers participated in the study (4 men and 16 women, mean age 44 years, range 27 - 61) from a town in western Sweden. Clinical examinations were performed, blood samples were drawn and dietary survey, i.e. repeated 24-h recalls were carried out before (0 months) and 3, 6 and 12 months after the change from a mixed diet to a lacto-vegetarian diet. A dietician educated the volunteers with regard to the vegetarian dietary regimen, organized and taught the vegetarian cooking courses. Results: The dietary shift lead to an increase in the intake of total carbohydrates and fibre and a decrease in fat, protein and sucrose. The coronary heart disease risk markers body weight, body mass index, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol and low-density lipoptrotein cholesterol decreased significantly. Conclusions: There was a decrease in disease risk markers even though the ratio polyunsaturated to saturated fatty acids was unchanged. The main finding in this study is that there was a weight loss, sustained for one year, without any recommendation to decrease the energy intake or any focus on weight reduction.

Effect of lacto-vegetarian diet on blood lipid profile

Objective To study the relationship between lacto-vegetarian diet and blood lipid profile. Methods Totally 268 healthy omnivores and 388 healthy lacto-vegetarians were enrolled. The general information, smoking and drinking history, life style, and blood pressure of subjects were obtained from medical examination. Serum lipids, including total cholesterol ( TC), triglyceride ( TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) , apo-lipoprotein A I (ApoA I ) , and apo-lipoprotein B (ApoB) , liver function, and renal function were assayed. Results Lacto-vegetarians had statistical significant lower levels of TC [ (4. 15±0. 70 vs 4.90±0.92) mmol/L,P<0.01 ], HDL-C[ (1.17±0.25 vs 1.29±0.23) mmol/L,P<0.01 ], LDL-C[ (2.43±0. 63 vs 3.04±0.82)mmol/L,P<0.01], Apo-A I [(1.06±0. 11 vs 1. 22±0.14)g/L,P<0. 01 ] and Apo-B[(0.71± 0.17 vs 0. 84±0. 20)g/L,P<0. 01 ], and also lower TC/HDL-C than omnivores. The Apo-A I/Apo-B ratio between two groups showed no difference statistically. Conclusions Chinese lacto-vegetarian diet consumed by healthy monks seems to be significantly associated with better lipid profiles. Key words: Lacto-vegetarian diet; life style; Blood pressure; Blood lipid profile

Development of a Diet Quality Index with Special Reference to Micronutrient Adequacy for Adolescent Girls Consuming a Lacto-Vegetarian Diet

Recent dietary guidelines emphasize micronutrient sufficiency by giving importance to consumption of whole grains and a variety of fruits and vegetables. The objective of this study was to identify a measure of micronutrient quality of diets in adolescent girls consuming a lacto-vegetarian diet. Data were collected on the nutritional status of 630 schoolgirls (ages 10 to 16 years) from Pune city, India, in a cross-sectional survey during 2006-2007. Dietary intakes were assessed by 24-hour recall on 3 nonconsecutive days. Nutrient intakes were calculated from the Indian nutritive value databases. Micronutrient adequacy was expressed as a ratio of observed intake to reference intake. An Adolescent Micronutrient Quality Index (AMQI) was formulated using the Indian and the recent US dietary guidelines. Fasting blood samples were analyzed for plasma levels of vitamin C, beta carotene, and zinc. The average energy intake of the majority of the girls was below the Indian recommended dietary intakes, whereas micronutrient intakes were 50% to 70% lower than recommended dietary intakes. The mean AMQI score was 41.5±9.4. The age of subjects as well as mother's education and occupation were significantly associated with the AMQI. The AMQI was correlated with nutrient intakes and the ratio of observed intake to reference intake ( P<0.01) after controlling for energy intake and sociodemographic factors. Higher AMQI scores were associated with higher concentrations of plasma vitamin C ( r=0.26), beta carotene ( r=0.34), and zinc ( r=0.12). The AMQI is a useful measure of the dietary adequacy and micronutrient quality of the diets of adolescent girls consuming lacto-vegetarian diets.