The impact of doubling dairy or plant-based foods on consumption of nutrients of concern and proper bone health for adolescent females

Abstract

ObjectiveTo determine the effects of increasing plant-based foods v. dairy foods on energy and nutrients of concern in adolescent females via diet modelling exercises.DesignData from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were used to compare nutrient intakes from usual diet with those from three dietary scenarios that increased current intakes by 100 % of the following: (i) plant-based foods; (ii) protein-rich plant-based foods; and (iii) milk, cheese and yoghurt. The first two scenarios had commensurate reductions in animal products.SettingWhat We Eat in America, NHANES 2007–2010.SubjectsFemale adolescents (n 1594) aged 9–18 years.ResultsWhen currently consumed plant-based foods were increased by 100 %, there were increases in dietary fibre, added sugar, vitamin E, Fe and folate intakes. These increases were accompanied by decreases in total fat, saturated fat, Zn, vitamin D, Ca and protein intakes. Protein-rich plant foods are consumed in very low quantities in this population such that doubling their intake resulted in no real nutritional impact. When dairy products were increased by 100 % there were increases in intakes of vitamin D, Mg, Zn, Ca, K, energy, saturated fat and protein.ConclusionsNon-specific recommendations to increase plant foods can lead to unintended nutritional consequences. For adolescent girls, meeting the dietary recommendation of three daily servings of dairy improved the intake of the identified nutrients of concern while simultaneously providing adequate nutrients essential for proper growth and bone health critical during the adolescent phase.

Increasing Plant-Based Meat Alternatives and Decreasing Red and Processed Meat in the Diet Differentially Affect the Diet Quality and Nutrient Intakes of Canadians

“…However, increasing protein-rich plant-based foods by 100% and a commensurate decrease in animal products had only a negligible effect on the saturated fat intake in both children and adults [25]. The same results were obtained in another study conducted in female adolescents aged 9-18 years, in which a similar approach was used [30]. During a 6-month randomized controlled trial, overweight and obese adults on a vegan diet had a significantly lower percentage of energy from saturated fat (2 and 6 months) and a lower intake of cholesterol (2 and 6 months) when compared with those on a vegetarian, semivegetarian, pescovegetarian, or omnivorous diet [31].…”

“…Using the same national survey data, Demmer et al also reported that doubling the amount of currently consumed plant-based foods increased the intake of dietary fibre by about 4 g/day among adolescent females [30]. However, the impact of doubling protein-rich plant foods on dietary fibre intake was negligible, since they were consumed in very low quantities at the baseline [30]. Moreover, in a 6-month randomized controlled trial, overweight and obese adults on a vegan diet had significantly greater intakes of dietary fibre (31.0 g/day), compared with participants on a vegetarian (26.7 g/day), pescovegetarian (21.0 g/day), semivegetarian (17.6 g/day), or omnivorous diet (17.6 g/day) at 2 months [31].…”

“…However, no significant difference was observed in the dietary fibre intake between the usual diet and the dietary scenario that increased protein-rich plant foods by 100% [25]. Using the same national survey data, Demmer et al also reported that doubling the amount of currently consumed plant-based foods increased the intake of dietary fibre by about 4 g/day among adolescent females [30]. However, the impact of doubling protein-rich plant foods on dietary fibre intake was negligible, since they were consumed in very low quantities at the baseline [30].…”

“…In a cross-sectional study of female university students, Fayet et al found that the avoidance of animal foods adversely affected the intakes of zinc, bioavailable iron, selenium, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids [38]. Doubling the intakes of plant-based foods with commensurate decreases in animal products was accompanied by increases in iron and folate intakes and decreases in zinc, calcium, and vitamin D intakes among female adolescents [30]. The same dietary scenario resulted in significant decreases in calcium and vitamin D intakes and significant increases in iron, magnesium, and folate intakes among U.S. children and adults.…”

Regulation and Labeling of Plant-Based Beverages and Simulated Meat, Poultry, and Egg Products in Canada and the United States

“…Compared to cow's milk, plant-based beverages, except for soy beverages, tend to contain lower amounts of protein and essential amino acids (i.e., methionine, lysine, and tryptophan), which are crucial for the growth, repair, and maintenance of body tissues (17,18). Thus, without the addition of essential amino acids, the replacement of traditional dairy milk with plant-based beverages could have adverse and unintended health consequences, including in infancy and early childhood (24), adolescence (1,5), and senescence (9). Also, without fortification, plant-based beverages are often associated with lower micronutrient intakes, such as calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B 12 (17)(18)(19).…”