Nutritional adequacy of vegetarian and omnivore dietary intakes

Turner, D.R.;Sinclair, W.H.;Knez, W.L.

Abstract

Background: Vegetarian diets are associated with reduced risk for diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. We aimed to determine the nutritional adequacy of usual food intake in a cohort of young vegetarians and omnivores who regularly exercise. Methods: Five vegetarian (aged 21.7±2.0 yrs), three vegan (aged 31.3±7.5 yrs) and eight age and sex matched omnivore participants (aged 21.1±1.9 yrs) volunteered for this project. Participants completed diet diaries to determine usual intake of macronutrients such as protein and fat and micronutrients such as vitamin C and iron. Results: All participants met or exceeded the recommended dietary intake (RDI) of protein, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6 phosphorus, and vitamin C. Vegetarians and vegans consumed insufficient quantities of vitamin B12 and vegans consumed less the half the amount that omnivores managed (1.7μg compared to 4.5μg). Folate consumption was adequate amongst vegetarians and vegans (510μg and 696μg respectively) and vitamin C consumption was highest among the vegan group (>400% of the RDI). Zinc intake was lowest among the vegetarians while low iron and copper intakes were reported by omnivores. Calcium consumption was poor overall. Conclusions: Nutritional inadequacies can arise from consuming omnivore, vegetarian and vegan diets. Over time such inadequacies may result in nutrient deficiencies thus it is important to consume a variety of nutrient rich foods to ensure nutrition requirements are being met.

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2393-9060

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10.15744/2393-9060.1.201