Changing from a mixed to self-selected vegetarian diet--influence on blood lipids.
OBJECTIVE
To observe any changes in serum concentrations of lipids, when UK meat-eaters switch to a self selected vegetarian diet for 6 months.


METHODS
Observational study using capillary blood samples and 3-day estimated dietary diary.


METHODS
Free-living subjects in the North-West of England.


METHODS
Twelve male and 31 female adult volunteers aged between 18 and 42 years.


METHODS
Serum lipids; nutrient intake and anthropometric measurements at baseline and 6 months after switching to a self-selected vegetarian diet.


RESULTS
Total energy intake and amount of energy derived from saturated fatty acids decreased significantly after changing to a vegetarian diet (P < 0.05) whereas energy derived from carbohydrate, and intakes of nonstarch polysaccharide intake increased. On switching to a vegetarian diet, total cholesterol and triacylglycerol concentrations were not significantly changed, but HDL-C was 21% higher than at baseline (1.21 mmol L(-1) vs. 1.47 mmol L(-1); P = 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that beneficial changes to diet occurred on changing to a self-selected vegetarian diet. Changing to a self-selected vegetarian diet appears to be one way of achieving a better blood lipid profile.
Robinson
F
F
Faculty of Education, Community Studies and Leisure, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK.
Hackett
A F
AF
Billington
D
D
Stratton
G
G
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL / Q000097:blood; D004032:Diet; D014676:Diet, Vegetarian; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002149:Energy Intake; D005227:Fatty Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D011134:Polysaccharides / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood
D008076:Cholesterol, HDL; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D004041:Dietary Fats; D005227:Fatty Acids; D008055:Lipids; D011134:Polysaccharides; D014280:Triglycerides; D002784:Cholesterol