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Dietary intakes and nutritional adequacy of Australians consuming plant-based diets compared to a regular meat-eating diet

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 May 2025

G. Austin ,
J. Ferguson ,
S. Eslick ,
C. Oldmeadow ,
L. Wood  and
M. Garg
G. Austin
Affiliation:
School of Biomedical Sciences & Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia Food and Nutrition Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, New South Wales, Australia
J. Ferguson
Affiliation:
School of Biomedical Sciences & Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia Food and Nutrition Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, New South Wales, Australia School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
S. Eslick
Affiliation:
School of Biomedical Sciences & Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, New South Wales, Australia
C. Oldmeadow
Affiliation:
Clinical Research Design, Information Technology and Statistical Support Unit, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, New South Walessta, Australia
L. Wood
Affiliation:
School of Biomedical Sciences & Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
M. Garg
Affiliation:
School of Biomedical Sciences & Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, New South Wales, Australia
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Abstract

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Despite the healthful nature of plant-based diets (PBDs) there is potential for nutrient inadequacies(1). This study aimed to compare dietary intakes and nutritional adequacy in Australians following plant-based diets compared a regular meat-eating diet (RME) in a cross-sectional study of adults (n = 240) aged 30–75yrs. Participants were habitually consuming dietary patterns for ≥ 6 months; vegan, lacto-vegetarian, pesco-vegetarian, semi-vegetarian or RME (n = 48 per group). Dietary intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire and dietitian-administered diet histories. Multivariable regression was used to adjust for potential lifestyle and demographic confounders. Compared to RMEs, vegans and lacto-ovo vegetarians had significantly lower dietary intakes of protein (percentage energy intake, EN%), saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, vitamin B12, iodine, riboflavin, niacin, sodium, and long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCn-3PUFA), and higher carbohydrate (EN%), dietary fibre, vitamin E, folate, magnesium, iron, and n-6PUFA, whereas, pesco-vegetarians and semi-vegetarians had intermediate intakes. Individuals adhering to PBD consumed significantly more vegetables, fruit (vegan only), legumes/nuts, and less discretionary choices compared to RMEs. All dietary patterns met adequate intake for protein, exceeded for fat, were below for carbohydrate (EN%) and had adequate serves of fruit and vegetables, but not grains. Including plant-based alternatives, vegans, lacto-ovo vegetarians, and semi-vegetarians had inadequate serves of ‘meat/poultry/eggs/beans/nuts’, and semi-vegetarians and RMEs had inadequate serves of dairy. Vegans and lacto-vegetarians had nutritional inadequacies in vitamin B12, LCn-3PUFA, iodine, and in addition calcium among vegans, pesco-vegetarians in iodine, and semi-vegetarians and RMEs in LCn-3PUFA. PBDs, specifically vegans and lacto-ovo vegetarians, while significantly higher in beneficial nutrients and wholefood groups than RMEs, may lead to nutritional inadequacies if not planned appropriately.

Type
Abstract
Information
Proceedings of the Nutrition Society , Volume 84 , Issue OCE1: The 48th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Nutrition Society of Australia, 3-6 December 2024 , April 2025 , E4
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Copyright
© The Author(s), 2025. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of The Nutrition Society

References

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