Plant-based Research Articles

Australopithecus at Sterkfontein did not consume substantial mammalian meat.

Incorporation of animal-based foods into early hominin diets has been hypothesized to be a major catalyst of many important evolutionary events, including brain expansion. However, direct evidence of the onset and evolution of animal resource consumption in hominins remains elusive. The nitrogen-15 to nitrogen-14 ratio of collagen provides trophic information about individuals in modern and geologically recent ecosystems (<200,000 years ago), but diagenetic loss of this organic matter precludes studies of greater age. By contrast, nitrogen in tooth enamel is preserved for millions of years. We report enamel-bound organic nitrogen and carbonate carbon isotope measurements of Sterkfontein Member 4 mammalian fauna, including seven Australopithecus specimens. Our results suggest a variable but plant-based diet (largely C3) for these hominins. Therefore, we argue that Australopithecus at Sterkfontein did not engage in regular mammalian meat consumption.

Impact of the Healthy Lifestyle Community Program (HLCP-3) on Trimethylamine N-Oxide (TMAO) and Risk Profile Parameters Related to Lifestyle Diseases During the Six Months Following an Intervention Study

Rationale: The dietary components choline, betaine, and L-carnitine are converted by intestinal microbiota into the molecule trimethylamine (TMA). In the human liver, hepatic flavin-containing monooxygenase 3 oxidizes TMA to trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO). TMAO is considered a candidate marker for the risk of cardiovascular disease. Methodology: The Healthy Lifestyle Community Program cohort 3 (HLCP-3) intervention was conducted with participants recruited from the general population in Germany (intervention: n = 99; control: n = 48). The intervention included intensive educational workshops, seminars, and coaching activities. The assessment was conducted using a complete case analysis (CCA) of the participants. The intervention was carried out for a ten-week intensive phase and an alumni phase. The interventional program emphasizes adopting a healthy plant-based diet and reducing meat consumption, as adherence to such a diet may lead to lowering TMAO levels. Additionally, it provides general recommendations about physical activity, stress management, and community support. The control group did not receive any intervention. TMAO was evaluated using stable isotope dilution liquid chromatography, and tandem mass spectrometry was used to measure fasting plasma levels of TMAO. Objectives: The present study aimed to determine the impact of the Healthy Lifestyle Community Program (HLCP-3) on risk profiles for lifestyle-related diseases and TMAO plasma levels. Results: Significant decreases in most risk profile parameters were detected, and a non-significant decrease in plasma TMAO levels was observed in the intervention group (0.37 (−1.33; 0.59) µmol/L). Furthermore, for the intervention group, after a six-month follow-up period, there was a significant negative correlation between higher healthy plant diet index (hPDI) scores and a decrease in plasma TMAO (ß = −0.200, p = 0.027). Additionally, a significant negative correlation was observed between the TMAO level and the scores for adherence to the plant diet index (PDI) (r = −0.195; p = 0.023). Conclusions: HLCP-3 is effective at improving adherence to a plant-based diet and improving risk profile parameters. However, long-term interventions involving stricter dietary programs in the sense of a plant-based diet are recommended if significant decreases in TMAO levels are to be obtained.

Exploring the application of dietary antioxidant index for disease risk assessment: a comprehensive review

Oxidative stress contributes to the development of cardiometabolic diseases and cancers. Numerous studies have highlighted the adverse effects of high reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in the progression of chronic noncommunicable diseases and also during infections. On the other hand, antioxidants play a crucial role in preventing oxidative stress or postponing cell damage via the direct scavenging of free radicals or indirectly via the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE pathway, among others. Dietary antioxidants can be obtained from various sources, mainly through a plant-based diet, including fruits and vegetables. The dietary antioxidant index (DAI) has been developed to assess total antioxidant intake from diet. This review delineated the performance of DAI in the risk assessment of different diseases. It is suggested that a high DAI score prevents obesity-related diseases, including diabetes mellitus, hyperuricemia, dyslipidemia, and metabolic (dysfunction)-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Additionally, DAI is negatively associated with Helicobacter pylori and Human papillomavirus infection, thus reducing the risk of gastric and cervical cancer. Also, a high intake of antioxidants prevents the development of osteoporosis, miscarriage, infertility, and mental illnesses. However, further prospective observations and clinical trials are warranted to confirm the application of DAI in preventing diseases that have been studied.

Glycemic control in women with GDM: insights from a randomized controlled pilot trial on plant-based Nordic healthy diet versus moderately carbohydrate restricted diet

BackgroundGestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) prevalence is rising worldwide, but optimal dietary strategies remain unclear. The eMOM pilot RCT compared a plant-protein rich Healthy Nordic Diet (HND) and a moderately carbohydrate restricted diet (MCRD) and their potential effects on time in glucose target range (≤ 7.8 mmol/L, %TIR), and on newborn body composition.MethodsForty-two participants were randomized to either HND (n = 20) or MCRD (n = 22) face-to-face nutritional counseling from gestational weeks (GW) 24 + 0—28 + 6 (baseline) until delivery. The HND intervention had no restriction in carbohydrate intake and emphasized plant-based protein sources and Nordic food, while the MCRD had a moderate carbohydrate restriction (~ 40% in proportion to total daily energy consumption, E%). Continuous glucose monitoring was worn for 14 days to assess glucose levels and %TIR. Blood samples for glucose and lipid metabolism and 3-day food diaries were collected at baseline and at GW 34 + 0—35 + 6. Neonatal body composition was measured by air displacement plethysmography. Difference between groups were analysed with t-test and Wilcoxon test.ResultsThirty-two women completed the study. Both groups maintained the %TIR during majority of the time (98.9 and 99.3% for MCRD and HND respectively, p = 0.921) in GW 34 + 0 – 35 + 6. The mean glucose was lower in the MCRD group compared to the HND group (5.0 SD 1.03 vs. 5.2 SD 0.96 mmol/l, p < 0.001). No differences were observed in glucose variability, lipid metabolism, gestational weight gain, or in the body composition of the newborns. HND had lower diet macronutrient adherence than the MCRD, resulting in similar macronutrient composition in both groups. The mean macronutrient intakes were fat: 40.6 vs. 39.5 E%, carbohydrate: 40.5 vs. 42.4 E%, protein: 18.9 vs. 18.1 E% for the MCRD and HND groups, respectively. The HND decreased intake of meat and increased fish consumption significantly compared to the MCRD.ConclusionsBoth a moderately restricted carbohydrate diet and a diet focused on plant-based protein effectively maintained a large time within the treatment target range in women with GDM. Further research could explore the impact of protein quantity and sources in maternal diets on glycemic control and newborn outcomes.Trial registrationThe eMOM pilot trial is registered in Clinicaltrials.gov (21/09/2018, NCT03681054).

The Global Food System and Its Environmental Impact: A Call for Sustainable Transformation

The modern global food system—spanning production, processing, distribution, and consumption—has emerged as a significant contributor to environmental degradation. It drives greenhouse gas emissions, land and water degradation, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion. Sustainable nutrition, which integrates environmental considerations into dietary choices, has become a key concern, emphasizing plant-based proteins, seasonal food consumption, and minimal ecological impact. With the global population projected to reach 10 billion by 2050, ensuring food security while minimizing environmental harm is crucial. Agriculture accounts for about 24% of global greenhouse gas emissions, driven by methane from livestock and nitrous oxide from fertilizers. Land use changes for agriculture contribute to deforestation, biodiversity loss, and soil degradation, exacerbating climate change. Water use in agriculture, the largest consumer of freshwater, further strains ecosystems, while pollution from agricultural runoff causes eutrophication. Effective strategies for sustainable transformation include agroecology, regenerative agriculture, dietary shifts, reducing food waste, and technological innovations. Practices like crop rotation and managed grazing improve soil health and sequester carbon. Transitioning to plant-based diets and reducing food waste could significantly lower emissions. Precision agriculture and alternative protein sources offer promising advancements. Holistic approaches involving policy reform, innovation, and behavioral change are needed to create a resilient, environmentally friendly food system that sustains both human and planetary health.

Cognitive trajectories and their relationships with education and diets among older adults: a network-based 10-year cohort study

ObjectivesFew studies have examined the underlying mechanisms of education, diets, and cognitive function in older adults. This study analyses the relationship between cognitive trajectories, education, and different dietary patterns in older adults from a network perspective, and further explores their longitudinal associations and mediation effects.MethodsData on cognitive trajectories were derived from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) between 2008 and 2018. Group-Based Trajectory Model (GBTM) was used to identify potential heterogeneity in the longitudinal changes in cognitive function. Multinomial logistic regression and network analysis were then applied to examine the relationships between different cognitive trajectories and years of education, food variety (FV), and plant-based dietary patterns. Cross-lagged panel model was used to examine the longitudinal associations between education, FV, and plant-based diet patterns. Furthermore, we constructed a mediation model based on categorical variables for cognitive trajectories to investigate the mediating effect of FV and plant-based diet index on education and cognitive.ResultsA total of 2,115 older adults were included in this study, revealing three distinct cognitive function trajectories. After controlling for potential confounders, education and dietary-related variables were associated with a cognitive stable decline trajectory (OR: 0.857/0.929/1.027) and a cognitive rapid decline trajectory (OR: 0.859/0.914, 95% CI: 0.775–0.882) compared to the cognitive stable trajectory. In the education, diet, and cognition network model, overall Plant-Based Diet Index (PDI) [expected influence (EI) = 1.82] and years of education (EI = 0.54) were the most central domains. There were longitudinal associations between education, FV, and plant-based dietary patterns, which were significant only in the slow decline group. FV acting as a mediator between education and cognitive trajectories.ConclusionYears of education are longitudinally associated with the diet of older adults in the slow cognitive decline group. Food diversity partially mediates the relationship between years of education and cognitive trajectories. Interventions targeting education and dietary behaviors may help alleviate cognitive decline in older adults.

Effect of Plant Versus Animal Protein on Muscle Mass, Strength, Physical Performance, and Sarcopenia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Dietary protein is recommended for sarcopenia-a debilitating condition of age-related loss of muscle mass and strength that affects 27% of older adults. The effects of protein on muscle health may depend on protein quality. The aim was to synthesize randomized controlled trial (RCT) data comparing plant with animal protein for muscle health. Forty-three eligible RCTs were sourced from Medline, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and CENTRAL databases. Four reviewers (R.J.R.-M., S.F.B., N.A.W., D.L.) extracted data from RCTs (study setting, population, intervention characteristics, outcomes, summary statistics) and conducted quality assessment using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) (95% CIs) were combined using a random-effects meta-analysis and forest plots were generated. I2 statistics were calculated to test for statistical heterogeneity. Thirty RCTs (70%) were eligible for meta-analysis and all examined muscle mass outcomes. Compared with animal protein, plant protein resulted in lower muscle mass following the intervention (SMD = -0.20; 95% CI: -0.37, -0.03; P = .02), with stronger effects in younger (<60 years; SMD = -0.20; 95% CI: -0.37, -0.03; P = .02) than in older (≥60 years; SMD = -0.05; 95% CI: -0.32, 0.23; P = .74) adults. There was no pooled effect difference between soy and milk protein for muscle mass (SMD = -0.02; 95% CI: -0.20, 0.16; P = .80) (n = 17 RCTs), yet animal protein improved muscle mass compared with non-soy plant proteins (rice, chia, oat, and potato; SMD = -0.58; 95% CI: -1.06, -0.09; P = .02) (n = 5 RCTs) and plant-based diets (SMD = -0.51; 95% CI: -0.91, -0.11; P = .01) (n = 7 RCTs). No significant difference was found between plant or animal protein for muscle strength (n = 14 RCTs) or physical performance (n = 5 RCTs). No trials examined sarcopenia as an outcome. Animal protein may have a small beneficial effect over non-soy plant protein for muscle mass; however, research into a wider range of plant proteins and diets is needed. PROSPERO registration no. CRD42020188658.

Association Between Healthful Plant-Based Dietary Pattern and Obesity Trajectories and Future Cardiovascular Diseases in Middle-Aged and Elderly: A Prospective and Longitudinal Cohort Study.

We aimed to explore the association between plant-based dietary (PBD) patterns and obesity trajectories in middle-aged and elderly, as well as obesity trajectories linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. A total of 7108 middle-aged and elderly UK Biobank participants with at least three physical measurements were included. Dietary information collected at enrolment was used to calculate the healthful plant-based diet index (hPDI). Group-based trajectory modeling identified two trajectories for each adiposity measure: BMI Low-Smooth and High-Growth-Decline; FMI Low-Smooth and High-Growth-Decline; WHR Low-Growth and High-Growth. Logistic regression showed that participants in the medium and high hPDI groups were less likely to follow the BMI High-Growth-Decline (OR=0.72, 95% CI: 0.60-0.87; OR=0.49, 95% CI: 0.39-0.61), FMI High-Growth-Decline (OR=0.71, 95% CI: 0.60-0.84; OR=0.55, 95% CI: 0.46-0.66), and WHR High-Growth (OR=0.73, 95% CI: 0.61-0.87; OR=0.52, 95% CI: 0.43-0.63) trajectories. After a median follow-up time of 3.88 years, Cox regression showed higher CVD risk for participants in these trajectories (HR=1.70, 95% CI: 1.37-2.11; HR=1.68, 95% CI: 1.37-2.06; HR=1.30, 95% CI: 1.04-1.63). A healthy PBD pattern was associated with the maintenance of a healthy BMI classification. Furthermore, the long-term stabilization of a healthy BMI classification may be linked to a reduced risk of CVD.

Can We Maintain Muscle Mass on a Plant-Based Diet?

This review aims to determine whether muscle mass and function can be effectively maintained without relying on animal-based protein sources. We evaluate the quality, digestibility, and essential amino acid profiles of plant-based proteins to understand their potential in preventing and managing sarcopenia. Recent studies indicate that while animal-based proteins have traditionally been considered the gold standard for supporting muscle protein synthesis, certain plant-based protein blends, fortified with leucine or other essential amino acids, can produce comparable anabolic responses. Advances in processing techniques have improved the bioavailability and overall quality of plant proteins, and emerging research suggests that strategic meal planning and supplementation can overcome prior limitations. Although animal-based proteins remain highly effective in preserving muscle mass, plant-based proteins can serve as a viable alternative in many scenarios. Future research should focus on well-designed, large-scale studies across diverse populations to refine guidelines for optimizing plant-based protein intake in sarcopenia prevention and management.

Effects of Plant-Based Diet on Metabolic Parameters, Liver and Kidney Steatosis: A Prospective Interventional Open-label Study.

This interventional single-center prospective open-label study aims to evaluate the effects of a vegan diet, compared to a vegetarian and omnivorous diet, on metabolic parameters, insulin sensitivity, and liver and kidney steatosis in healthy adults. The study included 53 omnivorous participants aged 18-40 years, body-mass index 18-30 kg/m2, without any chronic disease, chronic medication use, active smoking, or significant alcohol consumption. All participants were omnivorous at baseline and selected to continue an omnivorous diet or transition to a vegetarian or vegan diet, with follow-up over six months. Anthropometric measurements, biochemical parameters, and liver and kidney steatosis were assessed at baseline and after six months using magnetic resonance imaging-proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF). Primary outcomes included changes in liver and kidney steatosis, while secondary outcomes were alterations in anthropometric and biochemical markers. Among 53 participants, 18 followed an omnivorous diet, 21 adopted a vegetarian diet, and 14 transitioned to a vegan diet. Dietary interventions did not result in statistically significant changes in body mass index, fat mass, fat percentage, or muscle mass over six months. However, statistically significant improvements in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, favoring the vegan diet, were observed. We aimed to control for potentially confounding variables to ensure the reliability of these findings. We have demonstrated a better decline in steatosis at the lower kidney pole, the total hilus and the Liver 6 index in vegans. We demonstrated that a plant-based diet is associated with improvements in several metabolic parameters and may reduce liver and kidney steatosis.

Sex Disparity in the Nutrition-Related Determinants of Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Case–Control Study

Background/Objectives: Sex differences in nutrition-related determinants of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) exist among the elderly. This study aimed to explore sex-specific influencing factors of MCI. Methods: A case–control study was conducted in 2020 involving 1086 elderly people aged 55 years and above from four sites in Zhejiang Province, China. Data on demographics, cognitive assessment, depression scale, daily food intake, and physical examinations were collected. The assessment of plant-based diet patterns depended on an overall plant-based diet index (PDI), a healthful plant-based diet index (hPDI), and an unhealthful plant-based diet index (uPDI). Multivariate logistic regression models were employed to assess the determinants of MCI in females and males. Results: Among 571 females, 141 (24.7%) had MCI, and 126 (24.5%) had MCI among 514 male participants. In females, the multivariate analysis revealed that being unmarried/divorced/widowed (OR = 1.95, 95% CI: 1.10–3.45), having depression (OR = 6.06, 95% CI: 1.87–19.66), and having a uPDI score ≥ 55 (OR = 2.41, 95% CI: 1.50–3.89) were associated with a significantly elevated risk of MCI. Conversely, a cereal consumption of ≥300 g/d (OR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.19–0.53) was linked to a significantly reduced risk. In males, vegetable consumption ≥ 150 g/d (OR = 0.39, 95% CI: 0.23–0.66), vegetable oil consumption ≥ 22 g/d (OR = 0.502, 95% CI: 0.307–0.820), and cereal consumption ≥ 300 g/d (OR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.27–0.71) were associated with a lower MCI risk. Meanwhile, rural residence (OR = 1.90, 95% CI: 1.12–3.25) and advanced age, especially 75 years old and above (OR = 4.71, 95% CI: 2.44–9.12), were also risk factors in males. Notably, the Restricted Cubic Spline (RCS) model showed that females with a uPDI score &lt; 55 had a lower prevalence of MCI, while those with a score ≥ 55 faced a higher risk. Conclusions: This study indicates potential sex disparities in the risk factors for MCI. Future research should prospectively establish causal relationships. Additionally, precise intervention strategies are urgently needed.

Effect of eicosapentaenoic acid on innate immune responses in Atlantic salmon cells infected with infectious salmon anemia virus

Aquaculture is one of the world's fastest-growing sectors in food production but with multiple challenges related to animal handling and infections. The disease caused by infectious salmon anemia virus (ISAV) leads to outbreaks of local epidemics, reducing animal welfare, and causing significant economic losses. The composition of feed has shifted from marine ingredients such as fish oil and fish meal towards a more plant-based diet causing reduced levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). The aim of this study was to investigate whether low or high levels of EPA affect the expression of genes related to the innate immune response 48 h after infection with ISAV. The study includes seven experimental groups: ± ISAV and various levels of EPA up to 200 µM. Analysis of RNA sequencing data showed that more than 3000 genes were affected by ISAV alone (without additional EPA). In cells with increasing levels of EPA, more than 2500 additional genes were differentially expressed. This indicates that high levels of EPA concentration have an independent effect on gene expression in virus-infected cells, not observed at lower levels of EPA. Analyses of enriched biological processes and molecular functions (GO and KEGG analysis) revealed that EPA had a limited impact on the innate immune system alone, but that many processes were affected by EPA when cells were virus infected. Several biological pathways were affected, including protein synthesis (ribosomal transcripts), peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR) signaling, and ferroptosis. Cells exposed to both increasing concentrations of EPA and virus displayed gene expression patterns indicating increased formation of oxygen radicals and that cell death via ferroptosis was activated. This gene expression pattern was not observed during infection at low EPA levels or when Atlantic salmon kidney (ASK) cells were exposed to the highest EPA level (200 μM) without virus infection. Cell death via ferroptosis may therefore be a mechanism for controlled cell death and thus reduction of virus replication when there are enough polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in the membrane.

Obesity Incidence According to Branched-Chain Amino Acid Intake and Plant-Based Diet Index Among Brazilian Adults: A Six-Year Follow-Up of the CUME Study

Background: Few studies have evaluated the impact of branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) intake on the risk of obesity in adults. The results are contradictory, and the causality has not been explored. This study assessed the association between BCAA intake and obesity incidence among Brazilian adults and investigated the potential moderating role of the plant-based index (PDI) in this relationship. Methods: A longitudinal study was conducted between 2016 and 2022, with 3090 participants (2043 women, 1047 men; mean age 34 years) from the Cohort of Universities of Minas Gerais (CUME) Study. Data were collected through an online questionnaire. The relationship between BCAA intake and obesity incidence was assessed using crude and adjusted Cox regression models. Restricted cubic spline analysis (RCS) was used to estimate the nonlinearity. The multiplicative interaction with PDI was tested. Results: The overall incidence of obesity was 192 cases (6.21%). The incidence was 16.4/1000 person-years in females; 21.8/1000 person-years in males; and 18.3/1000 person-years total, with a mean follow-up period of 3.4 years. Compared to the first tertile, the highest intake tertiles for BCAA (HR = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.03–2.18), isoleucine (HR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.04–2.22), and leucine (HR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.03–2.20) were independently associated with obesity risk. BCAA intake above 16 g/day increases the risk of obesity. Conclusions: There was a positive association between the intake of BCAA, isoleucine, and leucine with the risk of obesity. The PDI accentuated the association between BCAA intake and obesity in both the lowest and highest quintiles.

Preliminary Data of the Nutritive, Antioxidative, and Functional Properties of Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L.) Flour and Seed Protein Concentrate.

The growing interest in a plant-based diet leads to the search for new sources of protein in the human diet as an alternative to animal proteins. Plant materials that can supplement protein as additives in food products are being studied. Watermelon seeds (Citrillus lanatus L.) are rich in proteins and waste from the food industry; however, their extraction is not completely cost-free, and the flour production process may involve additional costs related to their extraction and processing. The studies showed that watermelon seed protein concentrate, obtained using the alkaline extraction method, contained 82.52 g/100 g of protein and 1.51 g/100 g of fat. The polyphenol content in the protein preparation from defatted watermelon seeds was 1.9 mg gallic acid/g, and the antioxidant activity of the concentrate was 29.26 µmol Trolox/g (by the ABTS+). The obtained watermelon seed protein concentrate was characterised by solubility of more than 80% (at pH = 10), water absorption at the level of 2.46 (g water/g) and oil absorption equal to 2.1 (ml oil/g), showed poor foaming properties (1.51%), and was characterised by low emulsification.

Reducing Agricultural Land Use Through Plant-Based Diets: A Case Study of Romania.

Agricultural systems face increasing global pressure to address sustainability challenges, particularly regarding land use and environmental protection. In Romania, where traditional diets are heavily dependent on animal-based products, optimizing land use is critical. This study investigates the potential of plant-based diets to reduce agricultural land use, examining scenarios of partial and complete replacement of animal protein with plant protein sources (soy, peas, and potatoes). The research modeled three dietary transition scenarios-replacing 33%, 50%, and 100% of animal protein with plant-based protein-using data from the Romanian National Institute of Statistics, the FAO, and international sources. Land use was calculated for each scenario using formulas that take into account protein content and land use intensity for animal and plant protein sources. The simulations quantify the reduction in agricultural land use at the per capita and national levels. The study reveals significant land-saving potential across all scenarios. At the national level, land use reductions ranged from 84,020 hectares (33% replacement) to 1,067,443 hectares (100% replacement). High-impact products such as beef and dairy continue to dominate land use, even in partial replacement scenarios. Conversely, replacing pork and chicken proteins shows substantial savings. The findings highlight the inefficiency of animal-based protein production and the ecological benefits of transitioning to plant-based diets. A dietary shift towards plant-based protein in Romania could achieve significant reductions in agricultural land use, contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals. This transition not only supports environmental conservation and resource optimization, but also provides public health benefits by reducing consumption of red and processed meat. These results provide a basis for policies to promote sustainable and nutritionally balanced food systems.

A plant-based diet index and all-cause and cause-specific mortality: a prospective study.

Background: A plant-based dietary pattern has been recently suggested to have health benefits. However, its relationship with mortality is not completely consistent in prior studies. We aimed to investigate whether a plant-based diet was associated with a lower death risk in a Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian (PLCO) cancer screening study. Methods: We included 91 414 participants from the PLCO study. Dietary data were collected using a diet history questionnaire (DHQ). We used three plant-based diet indices including an overall plant-based diet index (PDI), a healthful plant-based diet index (hPDI), and an unhealthful plant-based diet index (uPDI). Multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using the Cox proportional hazard regression model. Results: During a median of 17.1 years of follow-up, we documented 19 456 deaths, including 5489 deaths from cardiovascular disease (CVD) and 6172 deaths from cancer. Comparing the highest versus lowest quintiles of the PDI, the multivariable-adjusted HR of all-cause mortality was 0.83 (95% CI 0.80-0.87, P for trend < 0.001). Those in the highest quintile of the PDI also had lower risks of CVD mortality (HR 0.87, 95% CI 0.80-0.95, P for trend < 0.001) and cancer mortality (HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.82-0.96, P for trend = 0.003) compared to those in the lowest quintile. Participants in the highest quintile of the hPDI had a decreased risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality, whereas participants with the highest uPDI scores had an increased death risk. Conclusion: Greater adherence to a plant-based dietary pattern was significantly associated with lower all-cause and cause-specific mortality.

Food groups, macronutrient intake and objective measures of total carotenoids and fatty acids in 16-to-24-year-olds following different plant-based diets compared to an omnivorous diet.

Knowledge about the diet quality among youth who follow different types of plant-based diets is essential to understand whether support is required to ensure a well-planned diet that meets their nutritional needs. This study aimed to investigate how food groups, macronutrient intake, and objective blood measures varied between Norwegian youth following different plant-based diets compared to omnivorous diet. Cross-sectional design, with healthy 16-to-24-year-olds (n = 165) recruited from the Agder area in Norway, following a vegan, lacto-ovo-vegetarian, pescatarian, flexitarian or omnivore diet. Participants completed an electronic questionnaire, a dietary screener, 24-hour dietary recalls and provided dried blood samples for analysis of carotenoids and fatty acids. Vegans reported the highest mean intake (g/d, g/MJ) of vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds and substitutes to dairy and meat (compared to all, p<0.001), fruit and berries (compared to omnivores, p = 0.004 and pescatarians, p = 0.007), and vegetable oil (compared to omnivores, p<0.001, pescatarians, p = 0.003 and flexitarians, p = 0.004) and vegetable products (compared to omnivores, p = 0.007). No difference was found between groups in mean intake (g/d, g/MJ) of any of the confectionary foods or sweet pastries, beverages (sugar-sweetened, non-sugary, alcoholic), or salted snacks, neither in g/MJ of convenience foods. The energy percentage (E%) of protein, carbohydrates and total fat were within the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2023 across groups. However, all groups, except vegans, exceeded the E% for saturated fatty acids. All groups exceeded recommendations for added and free sugar. Furthermore, all groups consumed <25g/d of dietary fibre, except vegans and pescatarians. For omega-3, lacto-ovo-vegetarians had intakes below recommendations. Blood marker of total carotenoids did not differ between groups, neither did the reported mean intake (g/MJ) of carotenoid-rich foods. Vegans showed the lowest blood level of palmitic acid compared to all (p<0.001), but highest level of linoleic acid (compared to flexitarians, p = 0.022, and omnivores, p<0.001). The lowest blood levels of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid were found in vegans and lacto-ovo-vegetarians. Our findings suggest that all groups had risk of dietary shortcomings. However, vegans consumed the most favorable diet. All groups should increase their consumption of vegetables, fruits and berries, and reduce their total sugar intake.

Plant-based diets and weight management: A comprehensive review of efficacy and mechanisms

Plant-based diets and weight management: A comprehensive review of efficacy and mechanisms

Identification of Sensory Drivers of Liking of Plant-Based Milk Using a Novel Palm Kernel Milk-The Effect of Reformulation and Flavors Addition Through CATA and PCA Analysis.

There is a growing demand for a plant-based diet (meat analogue/plant-based milk) due to an increase in awareness towards health issues, environmental sustainability, and animal ethical issues. The replacement of dairy has recently been one of the market efforts to fulfill such demand. Yet, challenges arise when consumers are reluctant to accept plant-based milk (PBM) due to the mismatch of organoleptic profile between PBM and the actual dairy. Hence, this study aims to understand the sensory drivers of liking in PBM through the development of a novel palm kernel milk (PKM 1.0). Furthermore, the study also aimed to examine the effect of reformulation (PKM 2.0) and flavor addition on sensorial acceptability improvement. Results showed that PKM 2.0 appeared similar to almond milk but is nutritionally denser like soymilk and oat milk. An acceptance score of 5.17 out of 9 was obtained for PKM 2.0 which is only slightly lower than 6.18 out of 9 and 6.36 out of 9 for oat milk and soymilk, respectively. Introducing flavors significantly improves the sample acceptance and reduces "bland" attributes. A high acceptance score of 7.24 out of 9 was obtained for chocolate-flavored PKM along with a strong correlation with "rich", "sweet", and "creamy" attributes. A correlation matrix showed that "smooth", "sweet", "roasted", "creamy", and "rich" are the attributes the consumers desired.

Global trends and hotspots of plant-based diet research (2012-2023): A scientometric study

Global trends and hotspots of plant-based diet research (2012-2023): A scientometric study