Plant-based Research Articles

The Role of Whole Food Plant-Based Food Intake on Postprandial Glycemia in Type 1 Diabetes.

Whole food plant-based diet (WFPBD), minimally processed foods with limited consumption of animal products, is associated with improved health outcomes. The benefits of WFPBD are underexplored in individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D). The primary objective of this analysis is to evaluate the association between WFPBD on glycemia in individuals with T1D. Utilizing prospectively collected meal events from the Type 1 Diabetes Exercise Initiative, we examined the effect of WFPBD intake on glycemia, determined by the Plant-Based Diet Index (PDI). The PDI calculates overall, healthful (hPDI), and unhealthy PDI (uPDI) to evaluate for degree of processed foods and animal products (i.e. WFPBD). Mixed effects linear regression model assessed time-in-range (TIR), time-above-range, and time-below-range. We analyzed 7,938 meals from 367 participants. TIR improved with increasing hPDI scores, conferring a 4% improvement in TIR between highest and lowest hPDI scores (high hPDI:75%, low hPDI:71%; p<0.001). Compared to meals with low hPDI, meals with high hPDI had lower glucose excursion (high hPDI:53mg/dL, low hPDI:62mg/dL; p<0.001) and less time >250mg/dL (high hPDI:8%, low hPDI:14%; p<0.001). These effects were present but less pronounced by PDI (high PDI:74%, low PDI:71%; p=0.01). No differences in time below 70mg/dL and 54mg/dL were observed by PDI or hPDI. Meal events with higher hPDI were associated with 4% postprandial TIR improvement. These benefits were seen primarily in WFPBD meals (captured by hPDI) and less pronounced plant-based meals (captured by PDI), emphasizing the benefit of increasing unprocessed food intake over limiting animal products alone.

What are the changes in mothers' diets after the birth of a child: results from the NutriNet-Santé cohort.

Childbirth is a major life-changing event, this period is an opportunity to improve eating habits. The aim of this longitudinal study was to identify and characterise dietary changes in women according to their parity status. Dietary intake data from 4194 women of childbearing age included in the NutriNet-Santé cohort were derived using a FFQ, administered in 2014 and 2018, distinguishing between organic and conventional food consumption. Women were classified into four groups: ‘previous children’, ‘multiparous’, ‘primiparous’ and ‘nulliparous’. Multi-adjusted ANCOVA models were used to estimate the changes according to the parity group. Changes in food consumption towards a more plant-based, healthier and organic diet were observed in all four groups of women, although to various degrees. In multivariable models, ‘Nulliparous’ women showed a greater improvement in terms of ‘sustainable’ food consumption than ‘previous children’ women. ‘Primiparous’ women significantly increased their energy intake (+349 (269–429) kcal/d) and their consumption of dairy products (+30 (3–56) g/d), and they significantly decreased their consumption of alcohol (–23 (–32–15) g/d), coffee and tea (–107 (–155–60) g/d). Regarding organic food, ‘nulliparous’ women increased their consumption more than ‘previous children’ and ‘primiparous’ women were those who were most frequently in the top quintile of organic food increase. Although there were dietary changes in all groups of women according to their parity, childless women have a shift moving towards a more sustainable diet. Women who had a first child reduced their alcohol and caffeine consumption.

Adherence to plant-based diet during pregnancy and risk of gestational diabetes: a prospective birth cohort study

BackgroundStudies have shown that plant-based foods have a protective effect against gestational diabetes (GDM). We examined the association between plant-based dietary patterns and the risk of GDM in a sample of Iranian adults.MethodsWe enrolled 635 pregnant women for the present study. Dietary intakes were evaluated by using a 90-item food frequency questionnaire during the first trimester of pregnancy. Three plant-based including plant-based (PDI), unhealthy (uPDI) and healthy (hPDI) were calculated. Cox proportional hazard model were fitted to estimate hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of GDM across categories of the plan-based dietary indices, while controlling for age, educational level, physical activity, family income, prepregnancy body mass index, gestational weight gain, and total energy intake.ResultsA total of 635 mothers were included, of whom 79 participants were diagnosed with GDM. Those in the third tertile of the PDI (HR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.30, 0.98) and hPDI (HR: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.24, 0.78) had a lower risk of developing GDM during their current pregnancy as compared to the first tertile. There was no association between uPDI and risk of GDM.ConclusionsWe found that higher adherence to a plant-based diet during early pregnancy may be associated with a lower GDM risk among Iranian women. Confirmation of this finding is necessary in larger cohort studies, taking into account other pregnancy outcomes such as birth weight.

Dietary Pattern Trajectories in French Adults of the NutriNet-Santé Cohort Over Time (2014-2022): Role of Socioeconomic Factors.

While dietary transitions towards more plant-based diets are urgently needed, few studies have investigated current diet trajectories, based on observed longitudinal data. This study investigated current dietary transitions of French adults over an 8 years period (2014-2022), while assessing the diet quality and the role of diverse socio-economic factors.Consumption data from 17,187 NutriNet-Santé cohort participants weighted for the French Census were collected using a food frequency questionnaire in 2014, 2018, and 2022. Adopting a gender-specific approach, consumption changes in 23 food groups were assessed over time. The diet quality was evaluated using the Comprehensive Diet Quality Index (cDQI) score, categorizing foods into "healthy" and "unhealthy". The socioeconomic analysis targeted four food groups (red meat (including fresh beef, pork, offal, and lamb), processed meat (e.g. sausages, ham, and bacon), legumes, and wholegrain products), strongly linked to mortality risk and recognized as significant markers of the sustainable diet transition. All analyses were conducted using multi-adjusted mixed-effects models.Consumption of some healthy plant-based foods (nuts +59 %, legumes +22%, wholegrain products +7%) significantly increased over time; while consumption of some unhealthy foods (red meat -19%, refined cereals -18%, sweetened drinks -15%) decreased. Conversely, consumption of prepared and mixed dishes (+16%), and processed meat (+35%) increased. These changes differed in magnitude between genders and translated into an improved diet quality score (cDQI). Occupational status was linked to longitudinal changes in food consumption, showing increased consumption of plant-based foods among students and higher socio-professional categories.Our findings provide accurate data on trends and factors for targeted initiatives, guiding strategic interventions for a sustainable dietary transition.

Metabolome and Metagenome Integration Unveiled Synthesis Pathways of Novel Antioxidant Peptides in Fermented Lignocellulosic Biomass of Palm Kernel Meal.

Approximately one-third of the entire world's food resources are deemed to be wasted. Palm kernel meal (PKM), a product that is extensively generated by the palm oil industry, exhibits a unique nutrient-rich composition. However, its recycling is seldom prioritized due to numerous factors. To evaluate the impact of enzymatic pretreatment and Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus reuteri fermentation upon the antioxidant activity of PKM, we implemented integrated metagenomics and metabolomics approaches. The substantially enhanced (p < 0.05) property of free radicals scavenging, as well as total flavonoids and polyphenols, demonstrated that the biotreated PKM exhibited superior antioxidant capacity. Non-targeted metabolomics disclosed that the Lactobacillus fermentation resulted in substantial (p < 0.05) biosynthesis of 25 unique antioxidant biopeptides, along with the increased (p < 0.05) enrichment ratio of the isoflavonoids and secondary metabolites biosynthesis pathways. The 16sRNA sequencing and correlation analysis revealed that Limosilactobacillus reuteri, Pediococcus acidilactici, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei, Pediococcus pentosaceus, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Limosilactobacillus fermentum, and polysaccharide lyases had significantly dominated (p < 0.05) proportions in PMEL, and these bacterial species were strongly (p < 0.05) positively interrelated with antioxidants peptides. Fermented PKM improves nutritional value by enhancing beneficial probiotics, enzymes, and antioxidants and minimizing anti-nutritional factors, rendering it an invaluable feed ingredient and gut health promoter for animals, multifunctional food elements, or as an ingredient in sustainable plant-based diets for human utilization, and functioning as a culture substrate in the food sector.

A Qualitative Study of Rural Plant-Based Eaters' Knowledge and Practices for Nutritional Adequacy.

(1) Background: Healthful plant-based diets, especially those rich in minimally processed plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, have been associated with a lower risk of diet-related chronic disease. However, individuals who limit or avoid animal products may be at risk of nutrient deficiencies, especially related to Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, iron, iodine, zinc, and protein. Such deficiencies can result in both short- and long-term health challenges. We used qualitative methods to explore plant-based eaters' knowledge and awareness of these eight nutrients of concern in diets that limit or exclude animal-source foods. (2) Methods: We conducted interviews with 28 rural flexitarian, pescatarian, vegan, or vegetarian adults in Vermont, USA. (3) Results: The participants positively viewed the healthfulness of plant-based diets, but many recognized limitations to accessing Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids. They shared the strategies used to meet their needs including eating a varied diet, seeking out specific foods, and taking dietary supplements. Analyses identified gaps in the participants' knowledge related to nutrient bioavailability, food sources of specific nutrients, and the importance of zinc and iodine. Vegans-the highest-risk group-generally presented as the most knowledgeable. The participants noted a lack of local plant-based nutrition expertise. (4) Conclusions: Addressing the identified knowledge gaps and challenges to dietary adequacy, especially among those who limit, but do not fully omit, animal-source foods, may support plant-based nutrition.

An Innovative One Health Approach: BIOQUALIM, a Transdisciplinary Research Action Protocol-From Cultivated Biodiversity to Human Health Prevention.

The "One Health" approach underscores the connection between human, animal, and environmental health, promoting solutions to global challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss. The Planetary Health Diet (PHD) promotes a plant-based diet with organically grown plants to reduce the environmental impact of meat production and decrease the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The BIOQUALIM project will evaluate the PHD's effectiveness in preventing NCDs like periodontal diseases and cancers through four inter-related studies. The clinical study will involve volunteers reducing their meat consumption and incorporating einkorn into their diet, allow for analysis of their interdental microbiota, oral health, general health, and quality of life. The chemical analysis will study nutrients and anti-cancer compounds in einkorn and common wheat varieties. The behavioral study will explore PHD knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to PHD. The psycho-social study will evaluate the impact of peer-support workshops on plant-based dietary cooking among post-therapy cancer patients. The results are expected to demonstrate that einkorn varieties possess nutritional properties that, when incorporated into the PHD enriched with einkorn, can enhance health markers. This study will identify barriers to and facilitators of PHD adoption and highlight how peer-support workshops can improve dietary adherence. BIOQUALIM's transdisciplinary approach will demonstrate the PHD's role in preventing NCDs.

Effect of a Whole-Food Plant-Based Diet on Periodontal Parameters in Patients With Cardiovascular RiskFactors:ASecondary Sub-Analysis of a RandomizedClinical Trial.

To investigate the effect of a 16-week whole-food plant-based diet (WPBD) on periodontal parameters in patients with increased cardiometabolic risk. A total of 36 participants from a randomized clinical trial received additional periodontal assessment. The intervention group (n = 17) followed a WPBD for 16 weeks, whereas the control group (CG) (n = 19) was instructed not to change their diet. Measurements were assessed at baseline (t1), week 8 (t2) and week 16 (t3). Periodontal examination included bleeding on probing (BOP), periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA) and plaque index (PI) on six index teeth, salivary pH and matrix-matalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8). At t3, the mean PISA of the index teeth was reduced by 32 mm2 (53.8) in the WPBD group and increased by 22.6 mm2 (45.1) in the CG group (intra-group p = 0.255 and p = 0.977, respectively), BOP changes were similar (intra-group p = 0.89 and p = 0.839, respectively). MMP-8 values reduced in the WPBD group by 50.73 ng/mL (117) and in the CG by 5.40 ng/mL (96.6) (intra-group p = 0.066, p = 0.837, respectively). Difference in change (t3 - t1) between the groups was p = 0.001, p = 0.003 and p = 0.032, respectively. Saliva pH increased in the WPBD group only (intra-group p = 0.007). A trend towards stabilization of the inflammatory parameters (BOP, PISA) was observed in the WPBD group. Because of the non-significant changes within the groups, this study highlights the imperative for future studies. NCT03901183.

Adherence to a Healthful Plant-Based Diet and Risk of Chronic Kidney Disease Among Individuals with Diabetes

Objective Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is highly prevalent among people with diabetes. While identifying modifiable risk factors to prevent a decline in kidney function among those living with diabetes is pivotal, there is limited evidence on dietary risk factors for CKD. In this study, we examined the associations between healthy and less healthy plant-based diets (PBDs) and the risk of CKD among those with diabetes, and to identify potential underlying mechanisms. Methods We conducted a prospective analysis among 7,747 UK Biobank participants with prevalent diabetes. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to examine the associations between healthful and unhealthful PBDs and the risk of CKD. Causal mediation analyses were further employed to explore the underlying mechanisms of the observed associations. Results Among 7,747 study participants with diabetes, 1,030 developed incident CKD over 10.2 years of follow-up. Higher adherence to a healthy PBD was associated with a 24% lower CKD risk (HRQ4 versus Q1: 0.76 [95%CI: 0.63–0.92], p trend = 0.002), while higher adherence to an unhealthy PBD was associated with a 35% higher risk (HRQ4 versus Q1: 1.35 [95%CI: 1.11–1.65], p trend = 0.006). The observed associations were predominantly mediated by markers of body fatness (proportion mediated: 11–25%) and kidney function (23–89%). Conclusions In this prospective cohort study of middle-aged adults with diabetes, adherence to a healthy PBD was associated with lower CKD risk, whereas adherence to an unhealthy PBD was associated with a higher CKD risk. Associations were primarily mediated by markers of lower body fatness and improved kidney function.

Cardiovascular Health and Diet Quality among Vegetarians, Vegans and Omnivores: Insights from a Large Urban Population in Poland.

Background/Objectives: Dietary habits are among the most significant determinants of health. The aim of this study was to assess the nutritional quality and cardiovascular profiles of individuals following plant-based diet. Methods: The study population comprised 199 individuals (136 women, 63 men; mean age 33.9 ± 8.9 years) including vegans (VG; n = 50), vegetarians (VN; n = 101) and omnivores (OV; n = 48). In this analysis the following procedures were assessed: a questionnaire interview, anthropometric and blood pressure measurements, and a blood sample collection. Dietary patterns were evaluated using the Food Frequency Questionnaire and a 24-h dietary recall. Results: Vegans exhibited the lowest protein intake relative to the other groups (p < 0.05) and a significantly higher intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids and lower intake of cholesterol compared to VN and OV (p < 0.05). Vegans had significantly lower levels of serum cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, fasting glucose and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (p < 0.05). No cases of overweight or obesity were observed among VN and VG participants. No instances of impaired fasting glucose or elevated blood pressure were noted among vegans. Hypercholesterolemia was identified in 56.2% of OV, 26.7% in VN and 16.0% in VG (p < 0.05), elevated blood pressure was recorded in one vegetarian and in 6.2% of OV participants. Conclusions: Our research indicates that plant-based diets are associated with a better cardiovascular profile compared to traditional diets. Moreover, suboptimal intake of essential nutrients, underscores the need for more effective public health interventions and improved nutrition education regardless of dietary patterns.

A whole food, plant-based diet reduces amino acid levels in patients with metastatic breast cancer.

Amino acids are critical to tumor survival. Tumors can acquire amino acids from the surrounding microenvironment, including the serum. Limiting dietary amino acids is suggested to influence their serum levels. Further, a plant-based diet is reported to contain fewer amino acids than an animal-based diet. Here, we investigated the impact of a whole food, plant-based diet on lowering the serum levels of amino acids in patients with cancer. Patients with metastatic breast cancer (n=18) were enrolled in clinical trial NCT03045289 . An ad libitum whole food, plant-based diet was implemented for 8 weeks without calorie or portion restriction. We found that a whole food, plant-based diet resulted in a lower intake of calories, fat, and amino acids and higher levels of fiber. Additionally, body weight, serum insulin, and IGF-1 were reduced in participants. The diet contained lower levels of essential and non-essential amino acids. Importantly, the lowered dietary intake of amino acids translated to reduced serum levels of amino acids in participants (5/9 essential amino acids; 4/11 non-essential amino acids). These findings provide a tractable approach to limiting amino acid levels in cancer patients. This data lays a foundation for studying the relationship between amino acids in patients and tumor progression. Further, a whole-food, plant-based diet has the potential to synergize with cancer therapies that exploit metabolic vulnerabilities.

Masculinizing plant-based diets as an appeal for dietary change among men

A significant body of research suggests that traditional masculine beliefs act as a barrier to reducing meat consumption and transitioning to a more ethical and sustainable food system. Here, we report a pre-registered experiment examining whether men who eat meat are more open to adopting plant-based diets when these diets are associated with traditional models of masculinity. A total of 1069 men who eat meat were randomly assigned to one of four conditions: a social media post with a plant-based meal featuring a male entrepreneur or a male bodybuilder (two experimental conditions), a social media post with a plant-based meal without a masculine model (social media post control condition), or a condition without any stimuli (no-information control condition). Both the entrepreneur and the bodybuilder were perceived as highly masculine, but these experimental conditions did not significantly affect participants’ perceived fit between plant-based eating and masculinity, nor did they affect tendencies to justify eating meat as necessary, attitudes toward plant-based diets, or willingness to adopt a plant-based diet. Nevertheless, the results supported previous research findings indicating that men who strongly identify as meat-eaters and those who consume more meat tend to perceive themselves as more masculine, feel more pressure from societal expectations to eat meat, justify meat-eating more strongly, view plant-based diets as less masculine, and are more negative about and less willing to adopt plant-based diets. Our findings raise questions about the “masculinization” of plant-based diets as a strategy for promoting dietary change among men.

Effects of plant-based diets combined with exercise training on leptin and adiponectin levels in adults with or without chronic diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical studies.

The effects of exercise training combined with plant-based diets (PBD) on leptin and adiponectin levels have been studied. However, little is known regarding the impact of exercise training combined with PBD on leptin and adiponectin levels in adults with or without chronic diseases. PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched to identify original articles, published until May 2024, to assess the effects of exercise training combined with PBD on leptin and adiponectin levels in adults with or without chronic diseases. Standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using random models. Nine studies comprising 960 participants with overweight and obesity were included in the current meta-analysis. Exercise training combined with PBD reduced leptin [SMD = -0.33 (95% CI: -0.62 to -0.04); p = 0.025] while increasing adiponectin [SMD = 0.93 (95% CI: 0.12 to 1.74); p = 0.024] levels. Exercise training combined with PBD is suggested as a non-invasive intervention for reducing leptin while increasing adiponectin levels to control body mass and other disorders related to obesity in adults.

Plant-based diets and urological health.

Plant-based diets have grown in popularity owing to multiple health and environmental benefits. Some evidence suggests that plant-based diets are associated with benefits for urological health. In genitourinary oncology, most research has focused on prostate cancer. Clinical trial results suggest a favourable influence of healthy lifestyle modifications including plant-based diets before and after prostate cancer treatment. Epidemiological evidence shows that a diet higher in plant-based and lower in animal-based food is associated with a lower risk of aggressive prostate cancer and better quality-of-life scores than a diet with less plant-based and more animal-based food. Studies on bladder and kidney cancer are scarce, but limited data suggest that vegetarian or plant-forward dietary patterns (increased consumption of fruits and vegetables and minimizing meat) are associated with a lower risk of development of these cancers than dietary patterns with fewer fruits and vegetables and more meat. With respect to benign urological conditions, epidemiological studies suggest that plant-based dietary patterns are associated with a lower risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia and urinary tract infections than non-plant-based dietary patterns. Compared with diets high in animal-based foods and low in plant-based foods, a substantial body of epidemiological evidence also suggests that increased consumption of healthy plant-based food is associated with a lower risk of erectile dysfunction. Plant-based dietary patterns that are high in fruits and vegetables with normal calcium intake, while limiting animal protein and salt, are associated with a lower risk of kidney stone development than dietary patterns that do not follow these parameters. Overall, increasing consumption of plant-based foods and reducing intake of animal-based foods has favourable associations with multiple urological conditions.

Association between provegetarian food patterns and micronutrient adequacy in preschoolers: the SENDO project.

Adherence to a healthful provegetarian food pattern is associated with improved nutritional adequacy in preschoolers, while following an unhealthful pattern is detrimental to micronutrient adequacy. These results suggest that moderate reductions in animal food consumption within a healthy diet may not compromise micronutrient adequacy in young children. Further research is needed to explore the impact of diets reduced in animal food intake on the health of children. • There's a notable trend towards plant-based diets due to health and sustainability concerns. • Research links plant-based diets in adults with lower risks of obesity, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. •A new study examines how different versions of a provegetarian food pattern affect micronutrient adequacy in children, using a moderate andstepwise approach. •Following a healthful provegetarian food pattern enhances nutritional adequacy in preschoolers, whereas an unhealthful pattern negativelyimpacts micronutrient adequacy.

Investigating the impact of lifestyle factors on kidney patients: insights from epidemiological studies

This paper investigates the impact of lifestyle factors on kidney patients, drawing insights from various epidemiological studies. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has emerged as a global health concern, with millions affected worldwide, highlighting the need for a deeper understanding of modifiable risk factors that can influence the onset and progression of the disease. Lifestyle factors such as diet, physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption, and stress management play a crucial role in either exacerbating or mitigating the risk of kidney disease. Through an examination of key epidemiological studies, this paper explores how these factors contribute to kidney health and disease management. Research indicates that diets high in sodium and protein, particularly from animal sources, are associated with worsening kidney function, whereas plant-based diets, low in sodium, may have protective effects. Similarly, regular physical activity has been shown to improve kidney function, while a sedentary lifestyle may lead to its decline. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption have long been identified as significant contributors to the progression of CKD, as epidemiological studies reveal a clear link between these behaviors and kidney health deterioration. In addition to physical health factors, the paper highlights the importance of mental health, noting that stress and psychological well-being can also affect kidney function, with chronic stress contributing to poor outcomes in patients with kidney disease. Based on these findings, the paper discusses potential lifestyle modification strategies that could serve as preventive and management tools for kidney patients. These include dietary interventions, tailored exercise programs, smoking cessation, reduced alcohol consumption, and stress reduction techniques.

The effect of MIND diet on sleep status, anxiety, depression, and cardiometabolic indices in obese diabetic women with insomnia: study protocol for a randomized controlled clinical trial {1}

BackgroundThe Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet is a plant-based and anti-inflammatory diet that has the ability to protect and manage cardiovascular and nervous system diseases. Regarding that insomnia and cardiovascular problems are x`common in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), the present study will assess the effectiveness of the MIND dietary pattern on sleep quality, cardiometabolic indicators, and other psychological indicators.MethodsForty-four overweight/obese T2DM women with insomnia, aged 30–65 years, will voluntarily participate in this randomized controlled trial and will be randomized to receive either a MIND low-calorie diet (MLCD) or a low-calorie diet (LCD) over a 3-month period. Before and after the study, sleep quality, some biochemical and cardiometabolic indices, cortisol, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and oxidative stress indicators will be assessed.DiscussionThe use of dietary interventions in the management of T2DM complications is practical and safe. This research seeks to investigate the capacity of the MIND diet in the management of insomnia and cardiovascular problems of DM. It is expected that the results of this research will provide new perspectives on using an ideal dietary regimen to treat these health conditions.Trial registrationIRCT20181111041611N8. Registered on August 7, 2023. https://www.irct.ir/trial/71772

8353 Impact of a plant-based protein diet on bone health and body composition in Sprague Dawley rats

Abstract Disclosure: M.M. Gomes: None. I.M. de Araújo: None. S.V. Rodriguez: None. F.R. Jorge: None. F.J. de Paula: None. Introduction:Vegetarian and vegan diets are associated with some health benefits; this has contributed to their growing popularity. Although studies remain limited, there is evidence that these patients may be at greater risk of reduced bone mineral density (BMD) and increased fracture risk. The general objective of this study was to analyze the impact of a high-protein, plant-based diet on bone tissue and body composition in male Sprague Dawley rats. Methodology: The study was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee. This study was done with 10 rats in the control group (CG), which received a standard AIN-93M diet; 11 in the normoprotein vegetarian group (NVG), with a normoprotein AIN-93 diet modified with pea protein and methionine; and 11 in the high-protein vegetarian group (HVG), with a modified AIN-93 diet with 40% pea protein and methionine. The dietary intervention lasted 8 weeks. The weight of the animals was measured weekly. Basal blood glucose levels were measured at baseline. At the end of the study, 6 rats from the CG, 6 rats from the NVG, and 5 rats from the HVG were subjected to a glucose tolerance test (GTT). The dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) technique was applied in the baseline and final periods of the experiment to evaluate body composition, bone mineral content (BMC) and BMD. After sacrifice, bone strength was measured via a three-point flexion mechanical test on the tibia; brown adipose, epididymal, and retroperitoneal tissues, as well as the liver, were weighed on an analytical balance. Blood was used to measure circulatory levels of insulin, CTX, and P1NP (n=6/group). Results: Basal weight was similar between the groups, but the final weight was lower in the HVG as compared to the CG. In the DXA evaluation, the final lean mass was not different between the groups. On the other hand, total fat mass was lower in the HVG than in the CG and the NVG and the fat percentage was lower in the HVG than in the CG. The weight of epididymal adipose tissue was lower in the HVG than in the NVG, but retroperitoneal and brown adipose tissues were lower in HVG than CG. Liver weight was similar between groups. BMD was similar between groups; however, BMC was lower in the HVG than in the CG and the NVG. Bone strength was similar between groups. There was no difference in glycemia at baseline or during GTT at the eighth week. Serum levels of insulin, CTX, and P1NP were similar between groups. Discussion and Conclusion: A normoprotein vegetarian diet that includes all essential amino acids appears to have no negative impact on body composition or BMD in rats. On the other hand, a high-protein diet with plant protein appears to have a negative impact on bone mineral content, in addition to reducing the amount of body fat and weight. This finding expands on previous results by showing that high-protein diets have a negative impact on bone even when the protein is of plant origin. Presentation: 6/1/2024

The Relationship between Plant-Based Diet Indices and Sleep Health in Older Adults: The Mediating Role of Depressive Symptoms and Anxiety.

The goal of our research was to determine the effects of plant-based dietary patterns on sleep health among older adults and to examine the parallel mediated effects of anxiety and depression. This investigation utilized data obtained from the 2018 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) and contained 6853 participants. Logistic regression and the restricted cubic splines (RCSs) model were employed to examine how plant-based dietary patterns affect sleep health. Additionally, Amos 26.0 was used to construct a structural equation model to examine the parallel mediated effects of anxiety and depression. A higher plant-based diet index (PDI) was connected to higher odds of better sleep quality (OR = 1.209, 95% CI: 1.039-1.407) and sleep duration (OR = 1.241, 95% CI: 1.072-1.437). Conversely, an elevated unhealthy plant-based diet index (uPDI) was correlated with a lower likelihood of sleep quality (OR = 0.678, 95% CI: 0.574-0.800) and sleep duration (OR = 0.762, 95% CI: 0.647-0.896). The RCSs regression further identified a significant dose-response relationship. Mediation analysis confirmed that anxiety and depression partially mediate the relationship between plant-based diets and sleep health. Our study exhibited significant correlations between plant-based diets and sleep health in the elderly. Depression and anxiety were determined as parallel mediators between plant-based diets and sleep health. Controlling early dietary patterns and affective disorder could help improve sleep quality in older adults.

A-079 Investigation of gut microbial flavonoid catabolites in metabolic diseases

Abstract Background Flavonoids, a secondary metabolite found in plant-based diets, have gained attention in the last decade for their antioxidative properties in high-fat diet induced obesity animal models and human studies. Previous work showed that certain gut microbiota members can metabolize flavonoids into monophenolic acids (MPAs), and some of these MPAs have similar effects to insulin when administered orally. Our objective is to explore the microbiome connection between flavonoid-rich diets and improved metabolic parameters in obesity. We hypothesize that flavonoid-supplemented diets are most effective in the presence of gut microbiota capable of MPA formation and that these bacterial metabolites are the main bioactive compounds responsible for the improved metabolic parameters Methods To investigate our hypothesis, we fed male and female C57BL/6 mice a high-fat control diet (HFD) or the same diet supplemented with 1% MPA or 1% berry extract for 12 weeks. Each group was further divided into subgroups that received regular drinking water (RW) or antibiotic water (ABW) to suppress gut microbial communities. A range of metabolic parameters, such as body weight, lean and fat mass, glucose and insulin tolerance, histological assessment of liver cells, quantification of liver injury biomarkers, transcriptional changes in metabolically active tissues, and glucose and lipid metabolism pathways, were monitored. Additionally, 16s sequencing was performed on the cecal microbial composition of each group. Results Mice on HFD control with RW or ABW showed prominent hepatic steatosis and an increase in liver lipids accumulation demonstrated by a significant decrease in the activation of lipid metabolism pathways. Similarly, mice on HFD with 1% MPA and RW or ABW exhibited a significant reduction in hepatic steatosis and an increase in the activation of the lipid metabolism pathways, regardless of gut microbiota presence. In line with our hypothesis, mice on HFD with 1% berry extract and RW showed a similar reduction in hepatic steatosis to both 1% MPA groups. However, mice on HFD with 1% berry extract and ABW displayed noticeable hepatic steatosis, indicating the loss of the positive effect provided by berry extract metabolites once gut microbiota was depleted by antibiotics. Insulin tolerance test revealed a gut microbial effect as well in the HFD with 1% berry extract, illustrated by a significant reduction in glucose levels after insulin injection and an increase in insulin sensitivity. In contrast, the HFD control mice experienced an increase in glucose levels after insulin injection and insulin resistance. Although there were notable decreases in fasting blood glucose, there were no significant effects on fat and lean mass, insulin, glucagon, or liver injury marker levels. Finally, the mice on HFD with 1% berry extract had significantly more diverse cecal microbial communities than those fed HFD or HFD with 1% MPA. Conclusions Feeding mice a flavonoid-rich diet in the presence of intact gut microbiome can improve metabolic parameters associated with metabolic diseases, potentially preventing, or reversing these diseases. Our findings suggest promising avenues for treatment, such as dietary flavonoid supplementation with concurrent gut microbial probiotic therapy.