Comparison of nutrient intakes for vegetarians, non-vegetarians, and dieters: Results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2004

<p>Studies showing lower body mass index for vegetarians than non-vegetarians suggest that a vegetarian diet may be an approach for weight management. The purpose of this study was to compare nutrient intakes of vegetarians, non-vegetarians, and dieters to show that a vegetarian diet does not compromise nutrient intake. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999-2004) data were analyzed for persons 19 years of age and older. Vegetarians were those who did not report eating meat, poultry, or fish. Dieters were those who consumed 500 kilocalories less than estimated energy requirements. Adjusted means for fiber, vitamins E, A, and C, thiamin, riboflavin, folate, calcium, magnesium, iron, and potassium were higher for vegetarians than for non-vegetarians. Niacin, vitamin B12, and zinc were lower for the vegetarians; however, only zinc was below the Recommended Dietary Allowance. These findings suggest that a vegetarian diet can be recommended for weight management without compromising nutrient intake.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MS)

Level thesis:degree_level

Open Access Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Health Sciences

Year

2009

Author dc:creator

• Farmer, Bonnie

Contributors dc:contributor

• George Liepa PhD, FACN, FAOCS, Chair
• Alice Jo Rainville, PhD, RD
• Brian Larson, PhD

• Nutrition Evaluation
• Vegetarianism Health aspects
• Body mass index
• Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition
• Medicine and Health Sciences

Repository record dc:identifier

https://commons.emich.edu/theses/150

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:commons.emich.edu:theses-1149