The Relevance of Plant-Based Diets and Micronutrient Supplementation for Body Composition: Data from the VeggieNutri Cross-Sectional Study

By:
Keren Dopelt, Nourit Houminer-KleparCátia Pinheiro, Flávia Silva, Inês Rocha, Carina Martins, Liliana Giesteira, Bruna Dias, Ana Lucas, Ana Margarida Alexandre, Catarina Ferreira, Bruna Viegas​
Date:
2024
Resource type:
Blogs/news/opinion
Link:

This study compared body composition among omnivores, lacto-ovo vegetarians, and vegans in Portugal. Vegans and vegetarians had lower muscle mass and higher fat mass compared to omnivores. Vitamin B12 supplementation in vegans helped mitigate muscle loss, while iron supplementation in vegetarians correlated with increased inflammation and reduced muscle mass. The study emphasizes the importance of proper nutritional planning and supplementation for plant-based diets.

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