An increasing number of people living in Switzerland change their dietary habits from an omnivorous into a vegetarian or even vegan diet. Following a diet without meat or even without any animal products may lead to deficiencies of some vitamins, minerals and trace elements. Therefore, such a diet needs to be well-planned and possibly include supplementation of critical micronutrients. The influence of a vegetarian or vegan diet on micronutrient status in healthy adult individuals living in Switzerland has to our knowledge never been assessed using biochemical indicators.
The aim of this study was to provide important data on the vitamin and mineral status of vegetarian and vegan adults living in Switzerland and thereby identify potential health risks due to an inadequate intake of micronutrients in a population avoiding animal source products.
A total of 206 healthy adult female and male subjects between the age of 18 and 50 were recruited in the region of Lausanne and Zurich. They were consuming either an omnivorous (nov=100), vegetarian (nVG=53) or vegan (nVN=53) diet since at least 1 year. Measures of weight and height were taken. Plasma concentration of the vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, B6, B12, folic acid, pantothenic acid, niacin, biotin and beta -carotene as well as Fe, Mg, Zn and urinary iodine status was determined. Dietary intake was assessed by means of a 3-day weighed food record. For the evaluation of the physical activity level and other lifestyle characteristics, questionnaires were used.
Omnivores had the lowest intake of Mg, vitamin C, vitamin E, niacin and folic acid. Vegans reported low intakes of Ca and a marginal consumption of the vitamins D and B12. Despite negligible dietary vitamin B12 intake in the vegan group, deficiency of this particular vitamin was low in all groups thanks to widespread use of supplements. Prevalence of Fe deficiency was comparable across all diet groups.
Our study revealed that by consuming a well-balanced diet including supplements or fortified products, all three types of diet can potentially fulfill requirements for vitamin and mineral consumption.
21 April 2015
R&D