ǂa ǂcross-sectional self-reported survey
Boštjan Jakše (Author), Barbara Jakše (Author), Uroš Godnov (Author), Stanislav Pinter (Author)

Abstract

The study aim was to investigate differences in nutritional, cardiovascular and lifestyle status of ‘health conscious’ subjects. In a partial ‘lock-down’ during the COVID-19 pandemic period, we performed a web-based, cross-sectional study. We compared 80 self-selected subjects (51 vegans, 67% females, and 29 non-vegans, 55% females, p = 0.344). Nutritional status was assessed by bioelectrical impedance and standardized food frequency questionnaires (i.e., contribution of nutrients from foods and supplementation, combined and separate). Serum lipid concentrations and blood pressure (BP) were assessed from annual or initial examination reports, while sociodemographic, economic, and lifestyle statuses were obtained by standardized questionnaires. Finally, a multivariate linear regression model was used to estimate the relationship between total fiber and saturated fatty acid (SFA) intake and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) values. The vegans had a significantly lower body mass index (22.8 ± 2.4 vs. 26.6 ± 3.6 kg/m$^2$, p < 0.001) and body fat % (19.3 ± 7.3 vs. 25.8 ± 8.2%, p < 0.001) than the non-vegans. There were significant differences between vegans and non-vegans in energy intake, and most macronutrient (10/12) and micronutrient (15/23) intakes in units/day. Both diets were well designed, with high fiber and low SFA and free sugar intake but remained insufficient in n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (for vegans), vitamin D, calcium, sodium (for vegans) and iodine. Vegans also had a significantly lower lipid profile and BP than non-vegans, except for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. However, both groups met targeted recommendations. Furthermore, fiber and SFA intake and age explained 47% of the variance in LDL cholesterol. In conclusion, ‘health conscious’ vegans and non-vegans with comparable lifestyle statuses had significant differences in dietary intake, body composition and cardiovascular health status.

Keywords

šport;veganstvo;neveganstvo;dieta;prehrana;telesna sestava;srčnožilne bolezni;življenjski stil;krvni pritisk;COVID-19;sport;vegan;non-vegan;nutrition;body composition;cardiovascular health;lifestyle;blood lipids;blood pressure;

Data

Language: English
Year of publishing:
Typology: 1.01 - Original Scientific Article
Organization: UL FŠ - Faculty of Sport
UDC: 796.01:612.39
COBISS: 68080899 Link will open in a new window
ISSN: 1660-4601
Views: 129
Downloads: 46
Average score: 0 (0 votes)
Metadata: JSON JSON-RDF JSON-LD TURTLE N-TRIPLES XML RDFA MICRODATA DC-XML DC-RDF RDF

Other data

Secondary language: Slovenian
Secondary keywords: šport;veganstvo;neveganstvo;dieta;prehrana;telesna sestava;srčno-žilne bolezni;življenjski stil;krvni pritisk;COVID-19;
Type (COBISS): Article
Pages: str. 1-22
Volume: ǂVol. ǂ18
Issue: ǂiss. ǂ11, ǂart. ǂ5968
Chronology: June 2021
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18115968
ID: 14825828