Effects of low‐fat lactovegetarian diet on health parameters of adult subjects

Forty‐two healthy adult omnivorous subjects and 28 experienced lactovegetarians participated in this experimental study lasting for seven months, February through August. The objective was to assess the effects of a low‐fat, low‐vitamin D diet on health status indicators, in particular on serum concentrations of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D]. Initially, 21 omnivorous subjects changed from mixed‐type diet to a low‐fat lactovegetarian diet. Their other health habits, such as rest, exercise, and use of stimulants, were not altered. In addition, a reference group was studied consisting of 21 omnivorous subjects, who did not change their dietary practices. No changes in weight, body mass index, defecation frequency, or maximal oxygen intake were found during the study among the new lactovegetarians, nor was there any significant change in the systolic or diastolic blood pressure. The new lactovegetarians, however, reported more often changes in their perceived health, increased diarrhea and flatulence, as well as increased vigor and alertness, especially during the first two months. After seven months, the changes in perceived health were diminished. The subjects, however, still reported less constipation and felt more alert than before the study. As biochemical health indicators, serum levels of 25(OH)D2, 25(OH)D3, retinol, α‐tocopherol, selenium, cholesterol, HDL‐cholesterol, free cholesterol, triglycérides, and apolipoproteins A‐I, B and C‐II were determined. In winter, relatively low serum 25(OH)D concentrations were observed more often in the lactovegetarian subjects. In late spring and summer, no significant differences were observed between the groups. The lactovegetarian diet, compared with the omnivorous diet, had a favorable effect in particular on serum cholesterol and retinol concentrations. Serum selenium concentrations decreased during consumption of the lactovegetarian diet. The effects of the lactovegetarian diet on serum concentrations of apolipoproteins A‐I, B and C‐II, α‐tocopherol, and triglycerides were minimal.

Key words:

• Vegetarianism
• health status
• perceived health
• blood pressure
• lipids
• apolipoproteins
• selenium
• vitamin A
• vitamin D
• vitamin E