Effects of plant-based diets on plasma lipids.
Dyslipidemia is a primary risk factor for cardiovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease, and stroke. Current guidelines recommend diet as first-line therapy for patients with elevated plasma cholesterol concentrations. However, what constitutes an optimal dietary regimen remains a matter of controversy. Large prospective trials have demonstrated that populations following plant-based diets, particularly vegetarian and vegan diets, are at lower risk for ischemic heart disease mortality. The investigators therefore reviewed the published scientific research to determine the effectiveness of plant-based diets in modifying plasma lipid concentrations. Twenty-seven randomized controlled and observational trials were included. Of the 4 types of plant-based diets considered, interventions testing a combination diet (a vegetarian or vegan diet combined with nuts, soy, and/or fiber) demonstrated the greatest effects (up to 35% plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol reduction), followed by vegan and ovolactovegetarian diets. Interventions allowing small amounts of lean meat demonstrated less dramatic reductions in total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels. In conclusion, plant-based dietary interventions are effective in lowering plasma cholesterol concentrations.
Ferdowsian
Hope R
HR
Washington Center for Clinical Research, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
Barnard
Neal D
ND
D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000097:blood* / Q000187:drug effects; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000517:prevention & control; D014676:Diet, Vegetarian; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006949:Hyperlipidemias / Q000097:blood / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control; D008297:Male; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D010944:Plants; D011379:Prognosis; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D018570:Risk Assessment; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D008078:Cholesterol, LDL