Objective: To compare the sociodemographic characteristics, health status and health
service use of vegetarians, semi-vegetarians and non-vegetarians.

Registered Dietitians’ (RD) knowledge and attitudes about the safety, adequacy and
health benefits of vegetarian diets were estimated. A questionnaire was developed
with demographic, knowledge, and attitude questions and was completed by 182 RDs
from Washington, Nebraska and Vermont.

With reduced intake of meat and increased intake of phytate-containing legumes and whole grains, movement toward plant-based diets reduces dietary iron and zinc absorption. Aithough vegetarians have lower iron stores, adverse health effects
of lower iron and zinc absorption have not been demonstrated with varied, plant-based diets consumed in developed countries. Improved assessment methods and monitoring are needed to detect and prevent possible iron and zinc deficiency
with plant-based diets.

Nutritional intake and iron status were investigated in 35 vegetarians (15
vegetarian males, 20 vegetarian females) and 32 nonvegetarians (13 vegetarian
males, 19 nonvegetarian females). Each subject completed a 12-d diet record.
Hemoglobin, plasma iron, ferritin, total iron binding capacity, and transferrin
saturation were measured.

Objective: To assess food behaviour and determine nutritional intakes of various vegetarian populations in France.
Design: A five-day self-administered food record which was mailed to members of the three principal French vegetarian organisations.
Subjects: 145 subjects, aged 7 ± 87 y; 94 classical vegetarians (19% of those contacted), 34 Hindu lactovegetarians (17% of those contacted) and 17 macrobiotic (34% of those contacted).
Setting: The survey was conducted between March 1997 and July 1997 in France.

This study compared the dietary and anthropometric profile of 24 ovo-lacto-vegetarian and 36 omnivorous female adolescents, between 15 and 18 years old. Weight, height and skinfolds were measured. Food frequency questionnaires and a three day food record were used for dietary assessment.

A population-based sample of Seventh-Day Adventists was studied to determine the relationship between vegetarian status, body mass index (BMI), obesity, diabetes mellitus (DM), and hypertension, in order to gain a better understanding of factors in¯uencing chronic diseases in Barbados.

O Conselho Regional de Nutricionistas – 3ª Região, dando continuidade ao Projeto “Ponto e
Contra Ponto”, para discussão de diversos temas polêmicos e de interesse para a atuação
do nutricionista, divulga o resultado das discussões sobre Vegetarianismo, quando
profissionais analisaram as questões nutricionais, sociais e culturais inerentes ao tema.

Abstract: Atherosclerosis, chronic non-communicable diseases, and metabolic syndrome are highly interconnected and collectively contribute to global health concerns that reduce life expectancy and quality of life. These conditions arise from multiple risk factors, including inflammation, insulin resistance, impaired blood lipid profile, endothelial dysfunction, and increased cardiovascular risk. Adopting a plant-based diet has gained popularity as a viable alternative to promote health and mitigate the incidence of, and risk factors associated with, these three health conditions. Understanding the potential benefits of a plant-based diet for human health is crucial, particularly in the face of the rising prevalence of chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, and cancer. Thus, this review focused on the plausible advantages of consuming a type of food pattern for the prevention and/or treatment of chronic diseases, emphasizing the dietary aspects that contribute to these conditions and the evidence supporting the benefits of a plant-based diet for human health. To facilitate a more in-depth analysis, we present separate evidence for each of these three concepts, acknowledging their intrinsic connection while providing a specific focus on each one. This review underscores the potential of a plant-based diet to target the underlying causes of these chronic diseases and enhance health outcomes for individuals and populations. Keywords: vegetarian diet; plant bioactive compounds; cholesterol; hyperinsulinemia; blood pressure

Fundamento: Estudos clínicos e epidemiológicos demonstram grande associação da dieta com os agravos crônicos, particularmente com os eventos cardiovasculares, apesar de ainda não compreendidos todos os seus mecanismos de ação.
Objetivo: Descrever e analisar o risco cardiovascular em vegetarianos e onívoros residentes na Grande Vitória/ES, na faixa etária de 35 a 64 anos.