Association of Vegetarian and Vegan Diets with Cardiovascular Health: An Umbrella Review of Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies and Randomized Trials

Ocagli, Honoria; Berti, Giacomo; Rango, Davide; Norbiato, Federica; Chiaruttini, Maria Vittoria; Lorenzoni, Giulia; Gregori, Dario

doi:10.3390/nu15194103

Cited by 8 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 40 publications

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“…In a recent umbrella review of nine published meta-analyses, which included both observational and randomized controlled studies, researchers explored the impact of plant-based diets (vegetarian and vegan) on cardiovascular health. The study’s findings revealed a clear association between healthier dietary choices and a lower risk of cerebrovascular disease, CVD incidence, ischemic heart disease mortality, and ischemic stroke [ 103 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Associations of Dietary Intake with Cardiovascular Risk in Long-Term “Plant-Based Eaters”: A Secondary Analysis of a Cross-Sectional Study

Jakše,

Godnov,

Fras

et al. 2024

Nutrients

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A plant-based diet rich in whole foods and fiber is beneficial for cardiovascular (CV) health. This impact is often linked to specific food groups and their preparation methods, reflecting the overall dietary pattern. However, research on the long-term effects of a carefully designed plant-based diet on adults transitioning from a typical Western lifestyle is limited. Notably, studies on people managing CV risk factors effectively are scarce. As part of a cross-sectional study, we examined 151 individuals committed to a long-term, well-designed plant-based diet and active lifestyle. We investigated how specific food groups and macronutrient intake are related to various CV health markers. In this secondary analysis, our comprehensive approach encompassed several methods: 3-day weighted dietary records, fasting blood lipid and blood pressure measurements, body composition assessments, and evaluations of lifestyle status. We adjusted our analysis for multiple variables, such as age, sex, current body mass index, smoking status, physical activity, and time (years) following the plant-based diet. Our findings revealed several associations between macronutrient intake (per 50 g) and CV risk markers, although these associations were generally weak. Individuals who consumed more whole grains and fruits had lower levels of total, low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) cholesterol. We also found associations between the intake of legumes and nuts/seeds and reduced HDL-C levels. These findings suggested that these food groups might influence the lipid profile, contributing to CV health in a plant-based diet. A greater intake of spices/herbs was associated with lower uric acid levels, while diets rich in plant-based fast food and pasta (made from white flour) were associated with higher uric acid levels. A greater intake of various macronutrients, such as fiber, carbohydrates (from whole-food sources), proteins, and different types of fats (saturated fatty acids [SFAs], monounsaturated fatty acids [MUFAs], and polyunsaturated fatty acids [PUFAs]), was associated with lower levels of total cholesterol, LDL-C (only for carbohydrates), and HDL-C. We found a unique negative correlation between PUFA intake and LDL-C, suggesting that PUFAs might significantly affect LDL-C levels. In contrast, increased fiber, protein and SFA consumption were associated with increased uric acid levels. These findings support the impact of dietary patterns on CV risk factors, highlighting that even small amounts of unhealthy food groups can significantly influence specific CV risk markers, regardless of the overall diet.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Associations of Dietary Intake with Cardiovascular Risk in Long-Term “Plant-Based Eaters”: A Secondary Analysis of a Cross-Sectional Study

Jakše,

Godnov,

Fras

et al. 2024

Nutrients

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“…Plant-based diets, used by vegetarians and vegans, are associated with lower body mass index and lower levels of LDL-cholesterol and blood pressure, which leads to a reduced risk of ischemic heart disease and ischemic stroke [ 57 , 58 ]. Interestingly, some studies show that plant-based diets might increase the risk of stroke (particularly hemorrhagic stroke), with lower levels of vitamin D, B12, calcium, and iodine [ 57 , 59 ].…”

Section: Dietmentioning

confidence: 99%

Updated Perspectives on Lifestyle Interventions as Secondary Stroke Prevention Measures: A Narrative Review

Govori,

Budinčević,

Morović

et al. 2024

Medicina

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Despite being highly preventable, stroke is the second-most common cause of death and disability in the world. Secondary prevention is critical as the stroke recurrence risk is 6- to 15-fold higher than the risk of stroke in the general population. Stroke recurrence is associated with higher mortality rates and increased disability levels. Lifestyle modifications should address not single but multiple cardiovascular risk factors to effectively reduce the risk of stroke. Lifestyle modifications on a personal level should include adequate physical activity, a healthy diet, the cessation of smoking and alcohol consumption, and stress reduction. Physical activities should be performed in a healthy environment without air pollution. According to recent studies, up to 90% of strokes might be prevented by addressing and treating ten modifiable stroke risk factors, half of which are related to lifestyle modifications. These lifestyle modifications, which are behavioral interventions, could impact other modifiable risk factors such as arterial hypertension, hyperlipidemia, obesity, diabetes, and atrial fibrillation. The most common obstacles to effective secondary stroke prevention are motor impairment, post-stroke cognitive impairment, post-stroke depression, and stroke subtype. Long-term lifestyle modifications are difficult to sustain and require comprehensive, individualized interventions. This review underlines the benefits of adhering to lifestyle modifications as the most effective secondary stroke prevention measure.

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“…Amid this intricate landscape, a notable gap emerges within the current body of literature. Previous research has diligently examined the myriad factors that influence the adoption of vegan diets, encompassing health (Ocagli et al, 2023), environmental (Rabès et al, 2020) and ethical motivations (Ghaffari et al, 2022). However, what remains conspicuously absent is a holistic integration of these multifaceted factors into a unified theoretical framework.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Factors shaping the adoption of sustainable vegan diets

Shah,

Thanki Joshi

2024

Int J Consumer Studies

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The 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.

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Association of Vegetarian and Vegan Diets with Cardiovascular Health: An Umbrella Review of Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies and Randomized Trials

Cited by 8 publications

References 40 publications

Associations of Dietary Intake with Cardiovascular Risk in Long-Term “Plant-Based Eaters”: A Secondary Analysis of a Cross-Sectional Study

Associations of Dietary Intake with Cardiovascular Risk in Long-Term “Plant-Based Eaters”: A Secondary Analysis of a Cross-Sectional Study

Updated Perspectives on Lifestyle Interventions as Secondary Stroke Prevention Measures: A Narrative Review

Factors shaping the adoption of sustainable vegan diets

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