Tuesday, 02 January 2024
Meat-eaters who take part in Veganuary could cut their saturated fat and cholesterol intake but may also miss out on vital micronutrients, according to a new study.
Researchers from the University of Nottingham’s School of Biosciences conducted studies that analysed meat-eaters and vegetarians aged 18 to 60 who signed up for Veganuary, comparing them to vegans, vegetarians and meat-eaters who kept eating as normal. Their findings, published in Nutrients, show that there are positive and negative effects on the diet for people who take part.
The results showed that there was a significant reduction in levels of vitamin B12 and Iodine if people didn’t take dietary supplements. Iodine is found in dairy products, as well as in eggs, white fish and seafood, all of which aren’t allowed as part of Veganuary. People in the UK are unlikely to become deficient in iodine, but women of child-bearing age, who are more likely to adopt vegan diets, need a good supply if they become pregnant, as it is critical for their unborn child’s developing brain.
Meat-eaters switching to a vegan diet also saw a reduction in cholesterol with an estimated ten-fold decrease, a reduction that could protect against heart disease long-term. There was also a reduction in saturated fatty acids.
The study looked at meat-eaters and vegetarians aged 18 to 60 who signed up for Veganuary, comparing them to vegans, vegetarians and meat-eaters who kept eating as normal. The participants were asked to fill out food frequency questionnaires for their typical dietary intake in November and December and then in January.
Veganuary can be done perfectly healthily, if followed sensibly, and our study shows there can be pros and cons to switching from a meat and dairy diet. As with any major dietary change, it is important that people plan properly to ensure they are getting the nutrients they need.
Simon continues: "While we showed some clear health benefits from switching from meat and dairy to vegan,the study also highlighted the vitamins and minerals people taking part in Veganuary need to pay particular attention to, namely Iodine and B12. Our advice for people taking part this year would be to check food labels carefully and try to ensure alternative products have these nutrients added.
Omnivores pledging to vegan campaigns may wish to seek nutritional advice before switching diets to ensure their nutrient intake is adequate. As this is unlikely for many, in the absence of dietary consultation, there is a need for clear guidance that is visible to all those considering such a dietary change.”
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More information is available from Simon Welham on Simon.Welham@nottingham.ac.uk
Notes to editors:
About the University of Nottingham
Ranked 32 in Europe and 16th in the UK by the QS World University Rankings: Europe 2024, the University of Nottingham is a founding member of the Russell Group of research-intensive universities. Studying at the University of Nottingham is a life-changing experience, and we pride ourselves on unlocking the potential of our students. We have a pioneering spirit, expressed in the vision of our founder Sir Jesse Boot, which has seen us lead the way in establishing campuses in China and Malaysia - part of a globally connected network of education, research and industrial engagement.
Nottingham was crowned Sports University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024 – the third time it has been given the honour since 2018 – and by the Daily Mail University Guide 2024.
The university is among the best universities in the UK for the strength of our research, positioned seventh for research power in the UK according to REF 2021. The birthplace of discoveries such as MRI and ibuprofen, our innovations transform lives and tackle global problems such as sustainable food supplies, ending modern slavery, developing greener transport, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
The university is a major employer and industry partner - locally and globally - and our graduates are the second most targeted by the UK's top employers, according to The Graduate Market in 2022 report by High Fliers Research.
We lead the Universities for Nottingham initiative, in partnership with Nottingham Trent University, a pioneering collaboration between the city’s two world-class institutions to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing for residents in the city and region we are proud to call home.
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