Nonvegetarian Women Research Articles

The association between vegetarian diet and varicose veins might be more prominent in men than in women.

Varicose 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. The 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. The 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. Women 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.

Profiles of Physical Activity and Physical Performance in Matched Religious Vegetarian and Nonvegetarian Women: A Preliminary Observational Study in Taiwan.

Religious vegetarianism has become more popular with women and increases with age. However, concerns have been raised that vegetarians are less productive than nonvegetarians. Thus, we aimed to compare the characteristics of physical activity and physical performance in properly matched religious vegetarian and nonvegetarian women aged ≥ 45 years. Participants (n = 160) were recruited via convenience sampling in the community of Hualien, Taiwan, and matched by demographic and cognitive characteristics. Physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF). Physical performance was assessed with handgrip strength, five-times-sit-to-stand, gait speed, timed up-and-go, and functional reach tests (FRT). Overall, 90% of religious vegetarians practiced lacto-ovo-vegetarianism. The proportions of those with low physical activity levels and poor physical performance did not significantly differ between religious vegetarians and nonvegetarians. Additionally, there were no significant between-group differences in IPAQ-SF scores and physical performance, except for FRT performance (mean 24.5 cm vs. 19.7 cm, p < 0.001). Exhaustion after work, busyness, and a lack of interest were three main reasons for low physical activity levels, and none of these had significant between-group differences (p = 0.936). Our results show a similar profile of physical activity and physical performance in religious vegetarian and nonvegetarian women.

Changes in Bone Mineral Density and Trabecular Bone Score over Time between Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian Middle-Aged and Older Women: A Three-Year Retrospective Medical Record Review.

The effect of a vegetarian diet on bone health remains controversial. This retrospective medical record review compared changes in bone mineral density (BMD) and trabecular bone score (TBS) between vegetarian and non-vegetarian middle-aged and older women who underwent two general health examinations (T1 and T2) that were approximately three years apart. Generalized estimating equations were used to compare the change in lumbar spine and bilateral hip BMD and TBS over time. At T1, the mean age of the patients was 56.6 years (standard deviation 9.7 years) and the mean interval between T1 and T2 was 2.7 years. For women aged 40–55 years, compared with non-vegetarians, vegetarians were significantly associated with a larger reduction in lumbar spine BMD (p < 0.001) and left hip femoral neck BMD (p = 0.015) over the three-year interval. On the contrary, changes in BMD were not significant at any site in women aged ≥ 56 years. Moreover, the changes in BMD and TBS over the three-year interval did not significantly differ between vegetarian and non-vegetarian women aged 65–90 years. In conclusion, for women aged 40–55 years, vegetarian diets reduced bone quantity, as measured by BMD, but not bone quality, as measured by TBS.

Determination of severity of premenstrual syndrome among vegetarian and non-vegetarian women

Background: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a condition that most women experience during the luteal phase of their menstrual cycle. It usually abates at the commencement of the periods. During this period, apart from physical discomfort, some women experience psychological and behavioral changes as well, which can disturb their lives. Various studies have been conducted on PMS and its effect on an individual with respect to body mass index and exercise, but very few studies are available on the association of diet with PMS. Therefore, we are evaluating the relationship between dietary pattern and PMS morbidity. Aims and Objectives: The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of PMS and its severity in different age groups of women and compare its association with vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted among the staff and students of East Point College of Medical Sciences and Research Center. Data were collected using a well formulated, structured, and pre-tested questionnaire, which had questions on diet patterns and PMS symptoms. Results: PMS was found to be more prevalent in young women (18–25 years) (57%) compared to older women (26–49 years) (43%), and the symptoms were slightly more severe among vegetarians (9%), compared to non-vegetarians (5%). There was no correlation between severity and body mass index. Conclusion: PMS is one of the most common gynecological complaints in young women. Although PMS is not a serious disorder, it can definitely change the quality of life for many women and affect their mental health and productivity. Creating awareness among young adolescents to lead a healthy lifestyle with changes in their diet and physical activity can improve the condition.

Status kesehatan dan asupan mikronutrien vegetarian dan nonvegetarian di Bali

Health status and micronutrient intake among vegetarian and non-vegetarian in BaliBackground: Several studies have reported that vegetarian diets have health benefits for those adopting the diets.Objective: This study aimed to compare anemia status and micronutrient intake between vegetarians and non-vegetarians in Bali.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Bali. A total of 240 samples consisting of 160 vegetarians and 80 non-vegetarians were randomly selected. Hemoglobin (Hb) and fasting blood sugar levels were measured using the cyanmethemoglobin method and enzymatic colorimetric, respectively. Meanwhile, the data on micronutrient intakes were collected by interviews using the semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (SQFFQ). The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and the Mann-Whitney test was performed to analyze the differences.Results: The study’s results showed that the mean Hb levels in the vegetarian group were significantly lower than non-vegetarians (p=0.002; p&lt;0.05), and the anemia status in vegetarian women were higher (22.5%) than non-vegetarian women (2.5%). The mean fasting blood glucose level in non-vegetarians was significantly higher than in the vegetarian group (p=0.000; p&lt;0.05). There were no differences in zinc (Zn) intake between vegetarians and non-vegetarians, but there were significant differences (p&lt;0.05) in vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin B12, folic acid, magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), and iron (Fe) intakes.Conclusions: There were differences in anemia status and fasting blood glucose levels between vegetarians and non-vegetarians. The fasting blood glucose levels of non-vegetarians were higher than vegetarians, and there were differences in the intake of certain micronutrients between vegetarians and non-vegetarians.

Health-Related Quality of Life, Blood Pressure, and Biochemical and Anthropometric Profile in Vegetarians and Nonvegetarians.

Several studies have been carried out which mainly focus on the analysis of the lipid profile in vegetarians and nonvegetarians. However, few studies have been undertaken in this population oriented to quality of life and health. This study aimed to compare health-related quality of life, blood pressure, and biochemical and anthropometric profile in vegetarians and nonvegetarians. The study included 149 participants out of an initial sample of 162: 62 vegetarians and 87 nonvegetarians. Health-related quality of life was assessed with the SF-12 Health Questionnaire version 2 and was related with the lipid profile, glucose, blood pressure, anthropometric measures, and sociodemographic characteristics. Vegetarians presented better Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC), as well as higher LDL levels. No significant differences in HDL and TG concentrations were found. Serum glucose concentrations were significantly lower among vegetarians. Nonvegetarian males had higher diastolic pressure levels. Vegetarian women had significantly higher levels of systolic pressure. As for the physical health and mental health components of quality of life, no significant differences were found in vegetarian and nonvegetarian women and men. In conclusion, vegetarians presented a better anthropometric profile, lower glycaemia, and higher LDL levels but no significant differences in health-related quality of life compared with nonvegetarians.

Self-Identified Vegetarian Pregnant Women in India Have Better Diets Than Self-Identified Non-Vegetarian Women Because of the Intersections of Caste and Economic Status

Abstract Objectives Poor dietary intake during pregnancy remains a significant public health concern affecting the health of the mother and fetus. This study examines the adequacy of energy, macronutrient and micronutrient intakes among vegetarian and non-vegetarian pregnant women. Methods We analyzed dietary data from 627 pregnant women enrolled at baseline from an Alive &amp;Thrive maternal nutrition program in Uttar Pradesh, India. Dietary intake was assessed using a multiple-pass 24-hour diet recall. We compared differences between vegetarian and non-vegetarian women in dietary diversity (calculated using the minimum dietary diversity for women guidelines), probability of adequacy, and mean probability of adequacy (MPA) for 11 micronutrients. Results Women who identified themselves as vegetarians (∼47%) were more likely to have higher education and socioeconomic status, and belong to upper caste groups than non-vegetarians. Average dietary diversity score was 4 out of 10 food groups for both groups. Vegetarian women were more likely to meet the MDD-W cutoff of five or more food groups compared to non-vegetarian women (39.2% compared to 32.4% respectively) (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Average MPA for vegetarians was 20% (SD:15.3) compared to 17% (SD:13.7) for non-vegetarian group (P = 0.02). In both groups, median intake of 9 out of 11 micronutrients was below the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR). Only zinc and thiamin had a median intake slightly above EAR. Starchy staple foods accounted for 62.4% of total energy for vegetarians and 69.1% for non-vegetarians. Dairy foods were an important source of fat, calcium, and vitamin B12 for both groups. Among non-vegetarian women, consumption of animal source foods was low (&amp;lt;8%). Conclusions Vegetarian women were more likely to have probability of nutrient adequacy and diet diversity during pregnancy than non-vegetarian women, but these differences are likely confounded by socio-economic and caste status. Since diets are poor for both groups, a range of policies and interventions that address the food environment, nutrition counseling during pregnancy, behavior change, and supplementation are needed in order to achieve adequate nutrient intake for pregnant women in this population. Funding Sources Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, through Alive &amp; Thrive, managed by FHI 360.

Comparative Evaluation of Biomarkers of Inflammation Among Indian Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Consuming Vegetarian vs. Non-vegetarian Diet.

Background: Sub-inflammation and insulin resistance characterize women with PCOS. Data on dietary modulation of inflammation among PCOS women is scant, particularly from Indian subcontinent. The present study aimed to assess the effect of plant based vs. animal origin diets on serum markers of inflammation (primary outcome measure).Methods: This observational case-control study compared age and BMI matched PCOS and apparently healthy women from two populations following different dietary practices. The vegetarian women from New-Delhi (n = 82 PCOS and n = 179 healthy) and non-vegetarian women from Srinagar (n = 62 PCOS and n = 141 healthy) formed the groups. Using a uniform methodology, detailed clinical, biochemical, hormonal, and inflammatory marker assessment was undertaken.Results: The mean age of the overall cohort was 26.23 ± 4.59 years with a mean BMI of 24.39 ± 3.72 kg/m2. Overall pro-inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, hs-CRP and serum resistin) were significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) and anti-inflammatory markers (IL-10 and adiponectin) were lower among women with PCOS than healthy subjects. On comparing vegetarian women with non-vegetarians, higher daily calorie intake (1895.46 ± 258.19 vs. 1860.13 ± 323.96 Kcal) with a higher protein and fat and lower carbohydrate intake was recorded in the latter, although the percent energy derived from carbohydrates was higher among vegetarians. Clinical and biochemical parameters were comparable among the groups except mFG score, total serum testosterone and serum lipid levels which were higher among non-vegetarian women as compared to their vegetarian counterparts from both categories (PCOS and healthy). Interestingly, vegetarian women with PCOS and healthy women had higher serum pro-inflammatory and lower anti-inflammatory markers compared to their non-vegetarian counterparts.Conclusion: Women with PCOS consuming Indian vegetarian diet have higher pro-inflammatory and lower anti-inflammatory marker levels than their age and BMI matched healthy non-vegetarian counterparts. This interesting observation can be attributed to the dietary composition, among other factors and needs confirmation from well-designed randomized studies on a larger cohort.Clinical Trial Registration: The study was registered with CTRI database under registration number CTRI/2013/09/003996.

Zat gizi, massa lemak tubuh, dan tekanan darah pada wanita vegetarian dan nonvegetarian berusia 20-30 tahun

Background : Vegetarians tend to have a risk of underfat. Several studies have reported that vegetarians have lower fat and higher fiber intake, lower body fat mass and blood pressure than nonvegetarians. There are only few studies about those variabels in 20-30 year-old subject. Objective : To analyze the difference of nutrients intake, body fat mass, and blood pressure between 20-30-year-old vegetarian and nonvegetarian women.Methods : Cross-sectional study design in 26 vegetarian women and 26 nonvegetarian women who was selected by consecutive sampling. Nutrients intake were obtained by Semi Quantitative Food Frequency Questionaire (SQFFQ) and analyzed by Nutrisurvey. Body fat mass was measured using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA). Blood pressure was measured using Mercury sphygmomanometer. Data were analyzed using Independent t-test and Mann-Whitney test.Result : There were 38.5% of vegetarians and 3.8% of nonvegetarians classified as underfat. There were 30.7% of vegetarians and 50% of nonvegetarians classified as prehypertension. There were difference in fat (p=0.005), saturated fatty acid (p=0.000), monounsaturated fatty acids (p=0.002), polyunsaturated fatty acids (p=0.043), fiber (p=0.000), potassium (p=0.000), magnesium (p=0.004); body fat mass (p=0.021); and sistolic blood pressure (p=0.004) between both of groups. There weren’t difference energy intake (p=0.098), carbohydrate (p=0.207), protein (p=0.535), sodium (p=0.784), calcium (p=0.798), and diastolic blood pressure (p=0.799) between both of groups.Conclusion : Between vegetarian group and nonvegetarian group, there were difference in fat, saturated fatty acid, monounsaturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, fiber, potassium, magnesium intake; body fat mass; and sistolic blood pressure. However, there weren’t diffference in energy, carbohydrate, protein, sodium, calcium intake, and diastolic blood pressure between vegetarian group and nonvegetarian group

Effect of Dietary Habits and Socio-economic Status on Menstrual Disorders among Young Females

Menstruation is very important phase of reproductive cycle which involves many hormonal changes. Hormone production is known to be affected by diet. Poor nutrition in female diet can affect menstrual cycle and lead to menstrual disorders and pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS). A cross-sectional study was undertaken to analyze the association of dietary habits and socio-economic status with menstrual disorders among the college going and young working females of Amritsar, Punjab, India during the month of Jan-March 2013. Students who did not attain menarche; were suffering from any chronic health condition or using any medicines for long duration (more than a month) were excluded from the study. A total of 100 females were selected, among 300 surveyed, for this study and each student was given a questionnaire to complete. Majority of the females (87%) belong to middle socio-economic status, having higher prevalence of menstrual disorders due to sedentary lifestyle and western dietary habits. Greater prevalence of menstrual disorders was observed in vegetarian women as compared to non-vegetarian women except for dysmenorrhea. Prevalence of menorrhagia was higher (56.25% vs. 32.69%) in women not taking salad daily while percentages of menorrhagia (44.68% vs. 43.40%) as well as oligomenorrhea (46.81% vs. 45.28%) were found higher in women not eating fruits daily. 93% respondents took junk food and a positive association was observed between consumption of junk food and menstrual disorders.

Prevalence of Deficient Vitamin B12 Intake in a South Indian Population

ObjectiveVitamin B12 is needed for the metabolism of homocysteine (Hcy). Here we examine intake of B12 and its association with Hcy levels in rural and urban adults in South India.Methods: A randomly selected sample of 8080 (urban: 2221; semi‐urban: 2821; rural areas: 3038) participants (mean age 42 years; 58% women) had diet, anthropometric, blood pressure (BP) and key blood parameters, including Hcy, assessments.Results: B12 intake was higher in urban (1.9 ± 0.9ug/d) compared to semi‐urban (1.4 ± 0.7 ug/d), and rural (1.2± 0.7ug/d) adults (p &lt;0.01). Women had significantly (p&lt;0.01) lower intakes of B12 compared to men across age groups and area (1.42 ± 0.8 vs. 1.6 ± 0.8 ug/d). Vegetarians (n=594) had higher intakes of B12 compared to non‐vegetarians (n=7058) (1.6 ± 0.7 vs. 1.5 ± 0.8; p&lt; 0.05). A greater percentage of non‐vegetarian women (40%) had intakes &lt;1ug/d compared to vegetarian women (20%). About 40 % of both rural and semi urban women consumed &lt;1ug of B12 /day. About 20% of men from all locations and urban women had &lt;1ug /d of B12. Milk and milk products were the primary sources of B12 for both sexes across locations. B12 intakes correlated inversely and significantly with Hcy levels (p&lt;0.01), with greater associations in men compared to women (p&lt;0.01).ConclusionsA high proportion of participants have low B12 intake, especially among those from rural and semi‐urban areas and among non‐vegetarians. Consumption of meat does not seem to improve B 12 intake. Interventions to improve B 12 intake are needed.

Comparative Study of Serum Leptin and Insulin Resistance Levels Between Korean Postmenopausal Vegetarian and Non-vegetarian Women

The present study was conducted to compare serum leptin and insulin resistance levels between Korean postmenopausal long-term semi-vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Subjects of this study belonged to either a group of postmenopausal vegetarian women (n = 54), who maintained a semi-vegetarian diet for over 20 years or a group of non-vegetarian controls. Anthropometric characteristics, serum leptin, serum glucose, serum insulin, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR; Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance), and nutrient intake were compared between the two groups. The vegetarians showed significantly lower body weight (p < 0.01), body mass index (p < 0.001), percentage (%) of body fat (p < 0.001), and serum levels of leptin (p < 0.05), glucose (p < 0.001), and insulin (p < 0.01), than the non-vegetarians. The HOMA-IR of the vegetarians was significantly lower than that of the non-vegetarians (p < 0.01) after adjustment for the % of body fat. A long-term vegetarian diet might be related to lower insulin resistance independent of the % of body fat in postmenopausal women.

Comparisons of 6-n-Propylthiouracil (PROP) Sensitivity, Food Liking and Food Intake between Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian Women

Background: Previous studies have suggested that vegetarians have a lower risk of overweight and obesity than do non-vegetarians. However, little is known about how meat consumption interacts with taste perception, thereby influencing food intake and body weight. Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the relationship of meat consumption with 6-npropylthiouracil (PROP) sensitivity, food liking, food intake and body mass index in female long term vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Methods: A cross-sectional design with a total of 94 racially diverse female subjects (mean age 23 years, 42 vegetarians, 52 non-vegetarians) living in the New York City area was used in this study. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated using the measured weight and height and PROP sensitivity was assessed using a PROP filter paper disk method and a general Labeled Magnitude Scale (gLMS). The subjects also completed a questionnaire to report the food liking/disliking for 19 food items using a hedonic version of the gLMS. Dietary intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. Results: The PROP sensitivity of vegetarians was significantly higher than that of non-vegetarians. Vegetarians showed significantly less liking of fat foods than did non-vegetarians, whereas there was no significant difference in sweet foods liking. The BMI, energy, protein, fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, B vitamins, iron, zinc, sodium, potassium, and alcohol intake values of the vegetarians were significantly lower than those of the non-vegetarians. Multiple regression results revealed that only vegetarian status significantly contributed to the predictions of all the dependent variables, energy intake, fat intake and BMI. Conclusion: The study findings suggest that a difference in taste perception between vegetarians and nonvegetarians may play a role in determining energy intake and weight status. Further studies are needed to examine the mechanisms by which habitual meat consumption affect taste perception and thus food intake.

Barriers, facilitators, and interventions for tofu adoption among future nutritional gatekeepers (631.4)

Objective: Although soy foods such as Tofu are generally considered as healthful and sustainable, Tofu is unfamiliar and irregularly cooked at home by most non‐vegetarian Westerners. To begin encouraging a wider adoption of Tofu among non‐Asian, non‐vegetarians, this research examines what factors impact the adoption of Tofu by future by nutritional gatekeepers, those who will eventually control the majority of the foods that are eaten within their households.Methods: In‐depth laddering interviews were conducted with 83 young non‐vegetarian women and new mothers who were enthusiastic lovers of tofu. Following this, a questionnaire was designed and 502 women ranging from 20‐35 years old were surveyed through the internet. Finally, laboratory and in‐home cooking test were conducted to validate the impact of identified barriers on Tofu adoption Results: Several key barriers based in misinformation, including “Tofu is expensive” and “Tofu is difficult to cook” as well as “I don’t know how to cook Tofu” accounted for the majority of gatekeepers’ reluctance to try cooking tofu at home.Conclusions: Correcting or educating on these issues significantly increased willingness to try Tofu. These efforts were more persuasive than promoting the health benefits of Tofu as a low calorie source of lean protein.Grant Funding Source: House Foods America and The Cornell Food and Brand Lab

Association of homocysteine with global DNA methylation in vegetarian Indian pregnant women and neonatal birth anthropometrics

Objective: The present study was designed to evaluate if plasma maternal folate, vitamin B-12 and homocysteine levels had an effect on maternal global DNA methylation and neonatal anthropometrics in Indian pregnant women.Methods: A total of 49 participants having completed ≥36 weeks of pregnancy were enrolled in the study. Estimation of folate was by Ion capture assay, vitamin B-12 by microparticle enzyme immunoassay, total homocysteine by fluorescence polarization immunoassay and global DNA methylation using Cayman’s DNA methylation enzyme immunoassay (EIA) kit.Results: Folate and vitamin B-12 were inversely correlated to homocysteine in pregnant women consuming vegetarian and non-vegetarian diet. No difference in global DNA methylation was found between the vegetarian and non-vegetarian pregnant women. Folate and vitamin B-12 did not show association with global DNA methylation, however plasma total homocysteine of the vegetarian group showed significant correlation to global DNA methylation (r2 = 0.49, p = 0.011). Plasma total homocysteine was inversely related to tricep skinfold (r2 = −0.484, p = 0.01) and chest circumference (r2 = −0.104, p = 0.04) of neonates in vegetarian group.Conclusion: Moderate vitamin B-12 deficiency in vegetarian pregnant women might be the cause of hyperhomocystinemia, hypermethylation when compared to vitamin B-12 sufficient non-vegetarian group.

Arterial Stiffness Responses To Lower-body Low-intensity Resistance Exercise In Vegetarian And Non-vegetarian Women

Arterial stiffness is associated with increased cardiovascular disease and mortality. Lower-body low-intensity resistance exercise (LIRE) with slow eccentric phase appears to not evoke an acute increase in arterial stiffness (pulse wave velocity, PWV). Vegetarians (VEG) have better cardiovascular profiles than non-vegetarians (NV), but their arterial stiffness and acute responses to LIRE are unknown. PURPOSE: To evaluate the PWV responses after an acute bout of LIRE in VEG and NV. METHODS: We evaluated healthy females (N = 25, 25.1 ± 5.9 y, BMI 23.2 ± 3.4) who were VEG (n = 12, 25.2 ± 6.1 y, BMI 23.8 ± 3.5) or NV (n = 13, 24.3 ± 5.8 y, BMI 22.6 3.3) for at least 1 y. They underwent a LIRE bout consisting of 3 sets of 20 repetition maximum (leg press, leg flexion, calf raises, leg extension) with 1 min of interset rest and lifting velocity of 2 s concentric and 3 s eccentric phases. Brachial-ankle (baPWV), carotid-femoral (cfPWV), and femoral-ankle (faPWV) PWV, heart rate (HR), systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and mean (MAP) were taken before (REST) and at 3 (PE3), 20 (PE20), and 40 (PE40) min post-exercise. RESULTS: Subject characteristics and resting cardiovascular measures were similar in both groups. BaPWV and faPWV were significantly (*p < 0.05) decreased through the post-exercise period in both groups. SBP was significantly (*p < 0.05) increased at PE3 in both groups. MAP and HR were significantly (*p < 0.05) increased through the post-exercise period in both groups. CONCLUSION: Lower-body LIRE with slow movement acutely decreased systemic and peripheral PWV. The lack of increase in cfPWV was dissociated from the increase in MAP. Diet appears to not have influence on cardiovascular responses to lower-body LIRE in young healthy women.

The association between high plasma homocysteine levels and lower bone mineral density in Slovak women: the impact of vegetarian diet

A long-term vegetarian diet is generally poor in vitamin B group. The lack of vitamin B(12) together with vitamin B(6) and folate deficiency is closely related to homocysteine metabolism. Hyperhomocysteinemia was found to be associated with increased bone turnover markers and increased fracture risk. Thus, hyperhomocysteinemia, vitamin B(12) and folate deficiency may be regarded as novel risk factors for micronutrient deficiency-related osteoporosis. To assess the possible impact of a vegetarian diet on bone mineral density in cohort of Slovak vegetarian women. Fasting serum glucose, albumin, calcium, phosphorous and creatinine as well as bone markers, serum vitamin B(12), folate and plasma levels of total homocysteine were assessed in two nutritional groups (vegetarians vs. nonvegetarians) of apparently healthy women (age range 20-70 years). Bone mineral density of the femoral neck, trochanter, total femur and lumbar spine was measured in all subjects. Vegetarians had a significantly lower weight (p < 0.05), higher PTH (p < 0.01) and homocysteine (p < 0.001). Vitamin B(12) was significantly higher in nonvegetarians (p < 0.001). No differences were observed in folate levels. Univariate analysis showed significant association between homocysteine and B(12) (p < 0.01), folate (p < 0.001), creatinine (p < 0.001), total proteins (p < 0.049), age (p < 0.001) and vegetarian food intake (p < 0.001). Vegetarians had a significantly lower TrFBMD (p < 0.05) and ToFBMD (p < 0.05). Age and CTx were significant predictors in all sites of measured BMD and PTH. A strong correlation between homocysteine and FNBMD (r = -0.2009, p < 0.002), TrFBMD (r = -0.1810, p < 0.004) and ToFBMD (r = -0.2225, p < 0.001) was found in all subjects. Homocysteine is one of the predictors of bone mineral density, and hyperhomocysteinemia is associated with lower bone mineral density. In healthy adults, homocysteine levels are dependent on age as well as on nutritional habits. Thus, elderly women on a vegetarian diet seem to be at higher risk of osteoporosis development than nonvegetarian women.

Maternal vitamin D status determines volumetric bone mineral density of the newborn

Introduction: Nutrition plays an important role in the acquisition and maintenance of skeletal integrity. There are some evidence that a well-balanced vegetarian diet may be consistent with good health and can potentially reduce the risk of several chronic diseases. On the other hand, people following a long-term vegetarian diet very often suffer from nutrient shortage like Ca, P, Fe, Zn, vitamin D or vitamin B12. The lack of vitamin B12 together with vitamin B6 and folate deficiency is close related to homocysteine (Hcy) metabolism. Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) was found to be associated with increased bone turnover markers and increased fracture risk. Thus, Hcy, vitamin B12 and folate may be regarded as novel risk factors for micronutrient-deficiency-related osteoporosis. The aim of our study was to assess the possible impact of vegetarian diet on bone mass density in cohort of Slovak vegetarian women. Materials and methods: The study was performed on group of 141 women on long-term ovo-lacto-vegetarian diet and control group of 131 women on standard western diet. Standard biochemical analyses, plasma vitamin B12, folate and Hcy concentrations were measured. Bone mineral density (BMD) for lumbar spine (L1–L4), right femoral neck (FN), trochanter (Tr) and total of femur (ToFN) were measured with dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Results: The mean Hcy levels were beyond the normal range in both groups (>12.0 μmol/l) but significantly higher in vegetarians (p<0.001). HHcy was found in 78% of vegetarians and in 48% of nonvegetarians. Vitamin B12 levels were significantly higher in nonvegetarians in both subgroups (p<0.05) and inversely correlated with Hcy (r=−0., p<0.001). Folate plasma levels were in normal range in all probands. Significant inverse correlations were found between Hcy and FN-BMD (r=−0.1887, p<0.003), Tr-BMD (r=−0.1725, p<0.01) and ToFN-BMD (r=−0.2053, p<0.001). No correlations were confirmed in nonvegetarians when they were evaluated separately. Conclusion: Our results indicate a strong association between plasma Hcy levels and decreased BMD in vegetarians. It suggests that vegetarian women can be at higher risk for low BMD than nonvegetarian women. This work was supported by Research and Development Support Agency under the contract No: APVT-21-010104 a APVT-21-017704. Conflict of interest: None declared.

The relationship among vitamin B12, homocysteine and bone mineral density in vegetarian and nonvegetarian women

The relationship among vitamin B12, homocysteine and bone mineral density in vegetarian and nonvegetarian women

The relationship between micronuclei in human lymphocytes and selected micronutrients in vegetarians and non-vegetarians

A vegetarian diet results in higher intake of vitamins and micronutrients, which – although providing antioxidant defence – may lead to deficiency in other micronutrients involved in DNA metabolism and stability (such as vitamins belonging to the B group). The principal difference among various vegetarian diets is the extent to which animal products are avoided. We have performed a pilot study to determine the relationship between the micronucleus frequency in lymphocytes and diet, and we compared the levels of Vitamins C and E, β-carotene, B 12, folic acid, homocysteine and total antioxidant capacity in healthy vegetarians and non-vegetarians. The vegetarian group, consisting of 24 volunteers (13 women and 11 men), were matched for age and sex with 24 volunteers (12 women and 12 men) with a traditional dietary habit. Among the vegetarians were 13 lacto-ovo-vegetarians with average duration of vegetarian diet 10.8 years (ranging from 5 to 26 years) and 11 lacto-vegetarians with average duration of vegetarian diet 8.2 years (ranging from 3 to 15 years). Homocysteine, Vitamins C and E and β-carotene levels in plasma were assayed by HPLC, and serum folate and Vitamin B 12 were determined with Elecsys Immunoassay tests. The total antioxidant capacity of plasma was estimated by measuring the ferric-reducing activity in a spectrophotometric assay. Micronuclei were measured in cytokinesis-blocked lymphocytes. Vegetarians had significantly higher levels of Vitamin C and β-carotene (but not Vitamin E) in plasma compared with non-vegetarians ( P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in serum levels of folic acid and Vitamin B 12 between the monitored groups. Levels of folic acid in vegetarians correlated with length of vegetarianism ( r = 0.62, P = 0.001, N = 24). Vegetarians had elevated levels of homocysteine compared with non-vegetarians ( P = 0.007), as did vegetarian women compared with non-vegetarian women ( P = 0.031). We did not find any differences in total antioxidant capacity or in micronucleus frequency between the groups. Micronuclei correlated with age ( r = 0.62, P < 0.001, N = 48), women having higher frequencies than men. Multifactorial regression analysis showed significant effects of age, sex and total antioxidant capacity on micronucleus frequency ( N = 48, P < 0.001).