Study on diet and health of vegetarian, vegan or omnivorous children and adolescents in Germany
- Conditions
- Supply of energy and nutrient, health status
- Registration Number
- DRKS00012835
- Lead Sponsor
- Fachhochschule des Mittelstandes (FHM)
- Brief Summary
The total energy intake did not differ significantly between groups, but intake of carbohydrates was higher among vegetarians and vegans than among omnivores (p = 0.0002, respectively). The median protein intake exceeded 0.9 g/kg body weight/day in all diet groups and was lowest among vegetarians (p < 0.02). There was no significant difference of haemoglobin, vitamin B2, 25-OH vitamin D3, HDL-C and triglycerides blood concentrations between diet groups. Vegan participants had higher folate concentrations than vegetarian participants (p = 0.0053). Ferritin concentration was significantly higher in omnivores than in vegetarians (p = 0.0134) and vegans (p = 0.0404). Vegetarians had lower concentrations of holotranscobalamin (p = 0.0042) and higher concentrations of methylmalonic acid (p = 0.0253) than omnivores. Vegans had the lowest nonHDL-C and LDL-C concentrations in comparison to vegetarians (p = 0.0053 and p = 0.0041) and omnivores (p = 0.0010 and p = 0.0010). A high prevalence (>30%) of 25-OH vitamin D3 and vitamin B2 concentrations below reference values were found irrespective of the diet group. In conclusion, the Vechi Youth Study did not indicate specific nutritional risks among vegetarian and vegan children and adolescents compared to omnivore.
- Detailed Description
Not available
Recruitment & Eligibility
- Status
- Complete
- Sex
- All
- Target Recruitment
- 401
Vegetarian, vegan or omnivorous diet without further specialties
Chronical diseases which affect diet, metabolism, physical development or activity; special diet, e.g. gluten-free diet, > 70% of raw fruits and vegetables
Study & Design
- Study Type
- observational
- Study Design
- Not specified
- Primary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Intake of food, energy and nutrients is collected on three consecutive days during the survey year via food record. During these three days all consumed foods and drinks have to be weighted and recorded. Energy and nutrient content of the foods and drinks are taken from the database LEBTAB.
- Secondary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method body height, body weight and skinfold thickness,<br>blood and urine analyses,<br>supplemental nutrient intake, <br>organic food consumption, <br>motivation for vegetarian or vegan diet are collected via main questionnaire