Vegetarian Population Research Articles

Inorganic contaminants and micronutrients in foods consumed by the vegetarian Portuguese population

Inorganic contaminants and micronutrients in foods consumed by the vegetarian Portuguese population

Efficacy of Botanicals and Insecticides against Whitefly, Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (Homoptera; Aleyrodidae) in Mungbean

Background: Mungbean is the major pulse crop of India. Pulse constitute the major source of dietary protein; therefore, it has ability to fulfil required protein recommended dietary allowance for vegetarian population of India. Pulse crop attack more than 200 insect pests. Methods: Efficacy test of Botanicals and Insecticides viz., Kaner powder, Garlic extract, Azadirectin 1500 ppm, Dasparni Ark, flonicamid, thiamethoxam, Imidacloprid and Dimethoate against B. tabaci was conducted in mungbean during Kharif 2022-2023 at Students’ Instructional Farm, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya (UP), India under field conditions with nine treatements including control in three replication. Result: The results demonstrated that Thiamethoxam 25 WG (50 g a.i./ha) was the most effective insecticide among all treatments, with a significant population reduction above control, followed by Imidacloprid 70 WG (5ml/l). Among the botanicals, Azadirectin 1500 ppm (5 ml/l) was the most effective against whitefly infestation in mungbean and could be applied as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional pesticides for whitefly management.

Are vegetarians’ diets inherently healthy? Ultra-processed food consumption is associated with overweight among vegetarians: the brazilian survey on the health, food, and nutrition of vegetarians

This cross-sectional study investigated ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption and its association with overweight among Brazilian vegetarian adults (n = 925). Data were collected using a self-administered structured online questionnaire. The prevalence of overweight was 26.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 23.3–29.1). The median UPF consumption was 1.8 times/day (1.0–3.1 interquartile range [IQR]). The multivariable generalised linear model identified an increase in overweight probability as the UPF intake – categorised into quintiles – increases (prevalence ratio [PR] 1.08 [95%CI 1.01–1.17]). Additionally, age (PR 1.03 [95%CI 1.02–1.04]), eating more than three meals/day away from home (PR 1.56 [95%CI 1.08–2.23]), duration of vegetarianism (PR 0.98 [95%CI 0.97–0.99]) and living in the wealthiest regions in the country (PR 1.35 [95%CI 1.06–1.71]) were associated with overweight. Although vegetarians have a lower average UPF intake and overweight prevalence than the general population, UPF exposure can still lead to excessive weight gain or maintenance. This study endorses generalising the Brazilian Dietary Guidelines for the vegetarian population.

Comparison of dietary inflammatory index and inflammatory biomarkers between vegetarians and omnivores in Chinese population

Most previous studies on the association between vegetarian diet and inflammation have used only one inflammatory biomarker e.g., C-reactive protein (CRP) and the findings were generally inconsistent. Therefore, we conducted a cross-sectional study to investigate the correlation between diet and inflammation in Chinese vegetarians using dietary indices and multiple inflammatory biomarkers. 279 vegetarians and omnivores of the same sex and age recruited in Shanghai, 2016. 24-h dietary review questionnaire was collected and used to calculate Dietary inflammatory index (DII) and Energy-adjusted inflammatory index (E-DII) of both groups. In addition, energy intake matched vegetarian and omnivore recipes were designed by registed dietitions and used to calculate a theoretical DII. Five serum inflammatory biomarkers CRP, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were measured. We found that vegetarians had significantly lower E-DII and theoretical DII than omnivores (P < 0.001). In contrast, the raw DII of vegetarians was almost the same with that of omnivores, probably due to lower energy intake in vegetarians than in omnivores (1367.97 ± 479.75 vs. 1724.78 ± 568.13, P < 0.001). Levels of TNF-α, IL-6, NLR and PLR were significantly higher in vegetarians than in omnivores while no statistical differences were found in CRP. In conclusion, a theoretical vegetarian diet with adequate energy intake as well as a balanced dietary intake showed good anti-inflammatory effects, though this was not fully reflected in vegetarian population in the real world, probably due to insufficient energy intake in the vegetarian population.

Assessment of radiation dose due to 210Po in water and food samples of Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka, India.

Groundwater is in direct contact with the soil and rocks that dissolve many compounds and minerals including uranium and its daughter products. 210Po is one of the decay products of 238U series that cause internal radiation dose in humans when consumed in the form of water and food, including sea food. Therefore, activities of 210Po have been studied in ground and surface water, and in food samples that are commonly used in Chamarajanagar region of Karnataka, India. The average 210Po concentration in bore well water samples and surface water samples are 3.21 and 1.85 mBq L-1, respectively. In raw rice and wheat, the average values of 210Po are 96 and 41 mBq kg-1, respectively. In millets and pulses, the average activity of 210Po is 157 and 79 mBq kg-1, respectively. Among food items, the highest activity of 1.3kBqkg-1 is observed in marine crabs and the lowest activity of 2.6 mBq kg-1 is found in milk samples. The average ingestion dose due to 210Po in ground and surface water are 2.8 and 1.62μSv y-1, respectively. The ingestion dose due to various food samples to the population is also calculated. Total ingestion dose due to 210Po to pure vegetarian population and general population are 38.09 and 590.80μSv y-1, respectively. The concentration of 210Po in water samples and food samples of this region are in a comparable range with the world and Indian average values and lies well below the recommended guideline level.

Assessment of Genetic Variability and Component Relationship of Seed Yield and Its Contributing Traits in Greengram (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek)

After pigeonpea and chickpea, greengram is the third most significant pulse crop in Asia. Pulses are the primary source of protein needed to satisfy both the daily need and the daily consumption for a balanced diet. Pulses are essential to achieving the diet's protein requirements for humans. Because they are the least expensive type of protein, they are referred to as poor people's meat. It is the primary source of vital amino acids for India's vegetarian population. There are twenty genotypes of Greengram in this experiment, plus one check. Three replications of the experiment were carried out at RBD during the month of Zaid in 2023. Thirteen characters' worth of data were collected in order to investigate genetic advancement, variability, heritability, correlation, and path analysis. The majority of the traits under study have significant genetic diversity in the available germplasm, according to analysis of variance. According to the mean performance of grain yield and its constituents, CO-7 performed better than AMULYA, SML-20-10, and IPM-2-14. A detailed examination of the variability coefficients showed that there was no environmental influence on the expression of the traits under study, as evidenced by the small difference between PCV and GCV. For biological yield, number of pods per plant, and number of seed yield per plant, high to moderate estimations of GCV &amp; PCV were noted. For the seed index, plant height, harvesting index, and quantity of seeds per pod, high estimates of heritability were noted. Since they are less affected by environmental factors and have a greater potential for genetic determination, high heritability estimates can be used for genetic improvement. For the seed index, number of branches per plant, and number of clusters per plant, low estimations of genetic advance were noted. According to correlation, plant height, major branches per plant, clusters per plant, pods per plant, biological yield, and harvest index all positively and significantly correlated with grain yield per plant. Path analysis revealed that plant height, cluster size per plant, biological yield, and harvest index have a direct impact on yield at both the phenotypic and genotypic levels. These characteristics are therefore acknowledged as the effective and prospective characteristics for direct selection in order to increase Greengram productivity in the current experimental materials.

Factors shaping the adoption of sustainable vegan diets

AbstractThe quality and choices of food contribute significantly to human well‐being and support the development of healthy communities worldwide. Despite being the world's largest vegetarian nation, India predominantly follows lacto‐vegetarianism, allowing dairy consumption and creating a distinct dietary landscape shaped by influences from religious, social, and cultural beliefs. This complexity, where dairy and cultural‐religious factors play pivotal roles, makes India a compelling and unique case for understanding the intricacies of adopting vegan dietary preferences. In the present study, an integrated model derived from the health belief model (HBM), the value attitude behavior (VAB) model, and social stigma was adopted as the theoretical framework. The study analyses the interactive effect of perceived benefits, barriers, environmental beliefs, health beliefs, and anti‐speciesism values, with the novel inclusion of social stigma as an independent variable affecting attitudes and intentions toward adopting a vegan diet. To achieve its objective, the study employed a quantitative methodology, recording consumers' responses through a structured questionnaire. The analysis encompassed 504 valid responses from Indian consumers from diverse backgrounds and varied locations. The result unveiled several noteworthy and unique trends. It was found that perceived benefits had a positive impact, while perceived barriers had a negative impact on the health beliefs associated with a vegan diet. Environmental beliefs, health beliefs, and anti‐speciesism values exhibited a positive influence on individuals' attitudes toward adopting a vegan diet. Conversely, social stigma had a negative impact on attitudes toward a vegan diet. Attitude emerged as a pivotal mediator, connecting the social stigma to the vegan diet adoption behavior. The findings of the study offer valuable insights for policymakers, manufacturers, and marketers seeking to encourage the adoption of vegan diets in countries with predominantly vegetarian populations. Additionally, the study puts forth actionable strategies, outlined as implications to promote the widespread adoption of the vegan diet.

Evaluation of Desi Chickpea (Cicer arientinum L.) Landraces for Heat Tolerance using Morpho-phenological Traits and Stress Tolerance Indices (STI)

Background: Chickpea is a globally important commercial crop and a key source of protein for vegetarian populations. Though chickpea was domesticated at least 3000 years ago, research into abiotic stress tolerance has been limited compared to cereals. Methods: An experiment was conducted with a set of seventy-one genotypes of Desi chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) to isolate high temperature tolerant genotypes using randomized block design (RBD) under two different sowing conditions (normal and late/terminal heat stress) and two growing seasons (rabi-2017-18 and 2018-19) at the Pulses Research Station of Junagadh Agricultural University. The screening of heat tolerant genotypes was done based on nine morpho-phenological traits, stress tolerance indices and correlation amongst them. Result: The heat tolerant genotypes of chickpea had less percentage of reduction in numbers of pods, seed yield per plant and 100-seeds weight. Five genotypes viz., ICC 4958, ICC 14595, ICC 8318, GG 4 and ICCV 92944 were identified as highly heat tolerant on the basis of HSI and YSR. These tolerant genotypes and screening criteria’s can be of great importance to identify donor parents to develop new cultivars for the farmers growing chickpea in the heat prone regions.

Management of Diseases in Legumes through Organic Approaches: A Review

Legumes are group of leguminous crops and are mainly known as the nitrogen fixers and these are one of the important components for sustainable agriculture in many parts of the world. These crops are grown for their tremendous benefits to the human beings especially legumes are nutrient rich grains. Pulses/legumes are important source of protein for the poor as well as the vegetarian population of the world and these are consumed on a regular basis because of their highly nutritional values. In countries like India, amino acids of pulses protein complement that of cereals as they are generally eaten together for a complete balanced diet. Pulses are important not only in India but also in many other poor countries where these crops are seen as an easy source of nutrition. Also, 2016 was declared as international year of Pulses by United Nations Organization. Chickpea, lentil, pea, pigeonpea, mungbean, urdbean, lentil, pea and rajma are important grain legumes. Besides there are many arid legumes crops like mothbean, cowpea, horsegram etc. grown in arid areas of the world. Diseases of pulses are one of the most important biotic constraints to their production. Their management strategies need to be percolated to the growers so as the losses caused by the diseases is contained and the growers are benefitted economically. Pulses encounter a wide range of diseases caused by a variety of pathogens that are mostly fungal and viral. However, there are many diseases caused by bacteria and nematodes too. Organic methods are cost effective, easy to use, maintain quality of the crops and moreover helps in boosting up the fertility of soils.

Vitamin content in seaweeds: A systematic review on water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins for adult daily intake

Background:With the global population on the rise, there is a growing imperative for scientists to innovate new foods utilizing the Earth's resources, catering to consumer preferences, and promoting health benefits. There is a claim that algae, particularly seaweeds, represent an exceptional source of vitamins. Seaweeds, belonging to the marine algae category, harbor potential functional compounds targeted at mitigating metabolic risk factors. They can be integrated into food and beverage preparation either as a whole plant or as extracts. Despite assertions regarding seaweed's vitamin richness, this aspect remains unverified in humans.Objectives:This study aims to undertake a comprehensive literature review to evaluate the amount of water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins in seaweeds, with a specific focus on vitamins B12, C, and Carotenoids.Methods:A comprehensive search for full-text, English-only publications was conducted on PubMed and Google Scholar, covering the period from 2016 to 2022. Two search terms were employed on PubMed, yielding 7 and 781 studies, respectively. From these, three studies met the pre-determined eligibility criteria for inclusion. On Google Scholar, the search generated 17,100 studies, and after screening, two studies met the eligibility criteria out of sixty. In total, five relevant publications were identified. The composition of seaweeds was then compared to other dietary sources and nutritional intakes.Results: Seaweeds prove to be a superior source of vitamin C compared to iceberg lettuce, although not abundant for food consumption. They serve as an alternative source of vitamin B12 for the vegetarian population, and Vitamin A (carotenoids) found in seaweeds surpasses that in carrots. The vitamin A content ranges from 2–10% of Reference Nutrient Intake (RNI), while vitamin C content varies from 1–23% of RNI, and vitamin B12 content varies from 107–446% of RNI. Seaweeds exhibit substantial potential as food supplements and as ingredients in the food industry, providing a noteworthy amount of nutritional value.Conclusions: Seaweeds have the potential to enhance daily vitamin intake, particularly for vitamin B12, C, and Carotenoids, in comparison to the recommended dietary allowance.Keywords: Seaweeds, Algae, Marine Algae, Vitamins, Vitamin C

Disseminated neurocysticercosis in a vegetarian: An intriguing case report

Disseminated neurocysticercosis (NCC), caused by , is a significant public health concern in developing regions and responsible for epilepsy in majority of the cases. This case report presents an intriguing instance of disseminated NCC in a 35-year-old vegetarian male from an urban area in western Uttar Pradesh. The conventional mode of infection is through undercooked pork, raising questions about alternative transmission routes for vegetarians. Possible routes of infection for the patient include contaminated food or water, unhygienic practices, cross-contamination, exposure to infected individuals or animals, and changing dietary habits. This case highlights the importance of considering atypical transmission routes for NCC, even in regions where pork consumption is uncommon. Public health efforts must emphasize proper food hygiene and sanitation to reduce NCC transmission risk, and further research is needed to understand factors contributing to NCC in non-endemic and vegetarian populations.

Nutritional Potential of Adzuki Bean Germplasm and Mining Nutri-Dense Accessions through Multivariate Analysis.

The adzuki bean (Vigna angularis), known for its rich nutritional composition, holds significant promise in addressing food and nutritional security, particularly for low socioeconomic classes and the predominantly vegetarian and vegan populations worldwide. In this study, we assessed a total of 100 diverse adzuki bean accessions, analyzing essential nutritional compounds using AOAC's official analysis procedures and other widely accepted standard techniques. Our analysis of variance revealed significant genotype variations for all the traits studied. The variability range among different traits was as follows: moisture: 7.5-13.3 g/100 g, ash: 1.8-4.2 g/100 g, protein: 18.0-23.9 g/100 g, starch: 31.0-43.9 g/100 g, total soluble sugar: 3.0-8.2 g/100 g, phytic acid: 0.65-1.43 g/100 g, phenol: 0.01-0.59 g/100 g, antioxidant: 11.4-19.7 mg/100 g GAE. Noteworthy accessions included IC341955 and EC15256, exhibiting very high protein content, while IC341957 and IC341955 showed increased antioxidant activity. To understand intertrait relationships, we computed correlation coefficients between the traits. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed that the first four principal components contributed to 63.6% of the variation. Further, hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) identified nutri-dense accessions, such as IC360533, characterized by high ash (>4.2 g/100 g) and protein (>23.4 g/100 g) content and low phytic acid (0.652 g/100 g). These promising compositions provide practical support for the development of high-value food and feed varieties using effective breeding strategies, ultimately contributing to improved global food security.

Development of Dairy Industry- An Identity of India’s Self-reliant: A Review

Dairy industry is a self-reliant India’s identity. The dairy sector in India has come a long way since the days of the White Revolution launched by late Prime Minister Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri in 1965. The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) was established in 1965 to implement the Operation Flood program which aimed to make India self-sufficient in milk production. Today, India is the world’s largest milk producer, with milk production of about 221.06 million tonnes in 2021-2022. The dairy industry in India is not only an important source of income for millions of farmers and rural households, but it also plays a vital role in the country’s economy. It contributes to more than 4% of the country’s GDP and provides employment opportunities to millions of people, both directly and indirectly. The dairy sector in India also plays a critical role in ensuring food security for a large population and provides a source of animal protein for a large vegetarian population.

Urolithiasis in vegetarian population attending a tertiary care centre: a retrospective study

Background: Urolithiasis is the one of the most common urological disease with kidney stone, being the most painful and prevalent urological disorders of the urinary system. Its prevalence has drastically increased during the present century with 3–20% of the overall population of the world having the tendency to form one urinary stone during the life time of 70 years. Diet is an integral part of renal accumulation and thus filtration, which in turn affects the absorption and bodily homeostasis of renal stone occurrence. The epidemiology differs in accordance with different geographical regions and social constructs. Within this context, food habits have been proposed as one of the major risk factors in renal stone formation, as a form of epidemiology for urine composition. With this background, this study is designed to study the incidence of urolithiasis in the vegetarian population of northeast India. Methods: The study was designed as an observational study by including all the patients diagnosed with having urolithiasis on imaging who was managed according to different treatment modalities. Patients included in the study were enquired about their diet habits and were recorded. Results: Out of the 151 cases of urolithiasis being studied, prevalence in male were 2.5 times more than female. Age group 31-40 years comprised of most number of patients with calculi (28.5%). Kamrup (metro and rural) had the most number of urolithiasis cases (33.8%). 5 cases of urolithiasis were found to be pure vegetarian (3.3%). 38.4% of the patient had a history of smoking. Conclusions: Most of the patients had unilateral calculi. Majority of the urolithiasis patient hailed from Kamrup (rural and metro) district, followed by Darrang and Nalbari district. Vegetarian group of patient with urolithiasis had significant history of alcohol intake, smoking and tobacco chewing.

Optimizing Water Utilization to Enhance Pulse Production: A Review

Pulses are a crucial group of crops that supply high-quality protein to complement the protein found in cereal crops for the large vegetarian population. Water scarcity and inefficient water management pose significant challenges to pulse production, which is crucial for food security and sustainable agriculture. This paper focuses on optimizing water utilization in pulse production to enhance crop yields and mitigate the impact on water resources. We explore various strategies and technologies that can improve water-use efficiency, including precision irrigation techniques, soil moisture monitoring, water-saving practices, and genetic improvement programs for drought-tolerant varieties. Additionally, we discuss the benefits of agroforestry systems and crop rotation in enhancing water infiltration and soil health. By implementing these measures, farmers can optimize water utilization, increase pulse yields, and contribute to sustainable agricultural practices. This research highlights the importance of addressing water scarcity in pulse production to ensure food security in the face of changing climatic conditions and growing population demands.

PROTECTIVE ROLE OF VITAMIN B9 AGAINST HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE: A POPULATION BASED STUDY FROM HARYANA, NORTH INDIA

Objective: Prevalence of high blood pressure has increased tremendously among all age groups from the last four decades and a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Lifestyle risk factors like pattern of diet is likely to play a role in hypertension. Adequacy in the intake level of vitamin B9 has been reported to play a protective role against hypertension hence, the present study aimed to explore the relationship between intake proportions of vitamin B9 as per RDA and blood pressure among a vegetarian population. Design and method: A total of 250 participants including both males and females of age 30 years and above were recruited for the present study from Palwal, Haryana. Data on demography and dietary intake was collected by using pretested and modified interview schedule and validated food frequency questionnaire (ffq) respectively. Results: Blood pressure was measured using calibrated electronic equipment (OMRON). Statistical analyses was done by using SPSS software version 22. Conclusions: An inverse relationship between adequate dietary intake of vitamin B9 and hypertension was found. Adequacy in the intake level of vitamin B9 may play a crucial role in reducing the burden of hypertension.

Comparative Spatial Distribution of Sucking Insect-Pest-Complex in Summer and Monsoon Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.

Background: Pulse crops are known as an important dietary source of proteins for a major part of the vegetarian population across the globe; especially in India. Legume crops help restoration of soil fertility through symbiotic nitrogen fixation. Spatial distribution is an important aspect as it interprets the interaction between individuals of the species and their habitat. The biological reason of aggregation is highly unpredictable and it depends on behavioural pattern of the insect; therefore, spatial distribution accounts for informative description of organisms. Methods: In order to study the spatial distribution of sucking pests of cowpea, a field trial was laid out during Zaid and Kharif separately at the Instructional Farm of Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Udaipur in 2019 and 2020. Cowpea variety Pusa Komal was cultivated in 6 plots each of 3 m x 3 m with the row to row and plant to plant spacing of 50 cm and 10 cm, respectively. Different distribution pattern were used to determine spatial distribution pattern of species of insect fauna associated with cowpea during the summer and monsoon season. Result: The spatial distribution for most the insect pest complex was contagious during both the respective seasons. All positive IDM (index of clumping) values confirmed the clumping of the pest during the season. The mean crowding index was more than unity, indicated clumped interaction.

광학문자인식(OCR)을 통한 데이터 분석 기반의 채식주의 유형 정보 제공 및 추천 애플리케이션 개발

This study focuses on differentiated planning and development using an optical character recognition (OCR) system as an application development medium for vegetarian users. The development application "ChaegokChaegok" (채곡채곡) uses optical character recognition (OCR) to distinguish intuitively whether or not a food is unsuitable for vegetarians using a food ingredient table scan function. If the food it is found to be an unsuitable food, the findings here can be meaningful in terms of application utilization and utility by including recommended foods to replace those that are found to be unsuitable. The development of applications that reflect various social changes, such as the growing domestic vegetarian population and the subsequent launch of various vegan products, has driven the aim to register these products at ‘app stores’. Accordingly, a thorough pre-environmental survey was conducted. As a result of analyzing users of vegetarian applications through an environmental analysis for this study, it was found that most applications simply form communities with vegetarian keywords, resulting in a lack of additional functions to attract users. Accordingly, "ChaegokChaegok" (채곡채곡) planned an effective application using optical character recognition (OCR) and recommended algorithm technology, and OCR technology was developed to provide services so that users would not feel uncomfortable and would analyze vegetarian foods. This will increase the accuracy of optical character recognition data so that it can be applied not only to the meaning of a differentiated application but also to analyses of cosmetics materials for vegan cosmetics users who plan to incorporate OCR technology in the future.

Elucidating genetic variability and genotype × environment interactions for grain iron and zinc content among diverse genotypes of lentils (Lens culinaris)

AbstractMicronutrient malnutrition is a great burden towards attaining nutritional security for the vulnerable section of society, especially pregnant and lactating women, as well as preschool children in developing countries. Biofortification of lentil with iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) may have a great impact on health and nutritional security as this food legume is the chief source of dietary energy and easily digestible protein for the vegetarian population. Assessment of genetic variability followed by ciphering genotype × environment (GE) interaction are the vital endeavour towards the recommendation of Fe‐ and Zn‐rich cultivars. Therefore, the present study was contemplated to appraise the genetic variability for Fe and Zn content among lentil genotypes followed by unravelling the effect of GE interaction for delineation of stable micronutrient‐rich genotypes using HA‐GGE biplot and REML/BLUP method. Preliminary studies with 125 lentil genotypes revealed the presence of adequate genetic variability concerning grain Fe (44.46 to 121.89 mg kg−1) and Zn (17.45 to 77.25 mg kg−1) content and other agronomic traits. Further, a multilocation evaluation trial with 30 promising genotypes at four diverse locations for consecutive 2 years detected a significant influence of environment and GE interaction on grain Fe and Zn content. Integration of HA‐GGE biplot along with REML/BLUP analysis pertinently detected BCL‐10212 and IPL‐220 as ‘ideal’ for Fe content whereas IC‐346092 and IC‐521442 for Zn content. Moreover, IC‐521442 was detected as most ‘ideal’ having richness in both Fe and Zn along with high stability over the locations. These genotypes offer a great opportunity to the lentil breeders for their utilization in a subsequent breeding programme towards developing Fe‐ and Zn‐rich lentils. Present findings would be useful for the generation of recombinant lines for mapping and tagging of the genes/QTL controlling Fe and Zn content and developing the biofortified lentil cultivars.

SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE, PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, DIETARY PATTERNS, AND NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF VEGETARIANS

Vegetarianism is one of the most popular dietary patterns in the world, and Indonesians are as well. This study was conducted to determine the profile of vegetarians in Palembang based on socio-demographic characteristics, physical activity level, dietary type, total energy intake, total macronutrient intake, and nutritional status. This study is a descriptive observational study with a cross-sectional design. Maha Vihara Maitreya Duta (MVMD) was the vegetarian population in this survey. Participants who agreed to take part in the survey were at least 18 years old, have been vegetarian for at least three years, were not pregnant or planning to become pregnant, and did not have any chronic ailments. A total of 148 samples were acquired using a consecutive sampling technique. To establish nutritional status, Primary data were collected by completing food recall interviews during the last 24 hours on two non-consecutive days. and measuring height and weight to determine nutritional status. The highest age range of participants was 30–49 years (54,1%). The majority of the population was female (61,5%) and had a college degree (56,1%). Most participants work (85,8%), engage in light-to-moderate physical activity, and have a normal body mass index range (68,2%). Most ate lacto-ovo-vegetarian (59,5%). Most participants were vegetarian for 6-10 years (31,1%). Most motivations for becoming a vegetarian are health-related (45,3%). Vegans consumed more calories, carbs, and protein than non-vegans, but less fat. Most vegan and non-vegan respondents had good nutritional status and were in the sufficient category for achieving calorie and macronutrient requirements.