title: Vegan lifestyle behaviors: an exploration of congruence with health-related beliefs and assessed health indices.
abstract: This study aimed to investigate health belief as a major motive for diet and lifestyle behaviors of 100 vegans in the United States; and to determine congruence with selected health and nutrition outcomes. Response data from an administered questionnaire was analyzed. Statistical analyses determined the most common factors influencing diet choice; the number of vegans practicing particular lifestyle behaviors; body mass index; and prevalence of self-reported chronic disease diagnoses. Nutrient intakes were analyzed and assessed against Dietary Reference Intakes. Health was the most reported reason for diet choice (47%). In the health belief, animal welfare, and religious/other motive categories, low percentages of chronic disease diagnoses were reported: 27%, 11%, and 15%, respectively. There were no significant differences in health behaviors and indices among vegan motive categories, except for product fat content choices. Within the entire study population, health-related vegan motive coincided with regular exercise; 71% normal BMI (mean=22.6); minimal alcohol and smoking practices; frequently consumed vegetables, nuts, and grains; healthy choices in meal types, cooking methods, and low-fat product consumption; and adequate intakes for most protective nutrients when compared to reference values. But incongruence was found with 0% intake adequacy for vitamin D; and observation of excessive sodium use.
authors.affiliation: Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Faculty of Food and Agriculture, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago. patricia.dyett@sta.uwi.edu
authors.forename: Patricia A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Dyett
authors.forename: Joan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sabaté
authors.forename: Ella
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Haddad
authors.forename: Sujatha
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rajaram
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Shavlik
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D004034:Diet Surveys; D014676:Diet, Vegetarian / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D009751:Nutritional Requirements / Q000502:physiology*; D014481:United States; D014808:Vitamin D Deficiency / Q000453:epidemiology*; D014815:Vitamins / Q000008:administration & dosage*
chemical_list: D014815:Vitamins