Food groups, macronutrient intake and objective measures of total carotenoids and fatty acids in 16-to-24-year-olds following different plant-based diets compared to an omnivorous diet.

Abstract

BackgroundKnowledge about the diet quality among youth who follow different types of plant-based diets is essential to understand whether support is required to ensure a well-planned diet that meets their nutritional needs. This study aimed to investigate how food groups, macronutrient intake, and objective blood measures varied between Norwegian youth following different plant-based diets compared to omnivorous diet.MethodsCross-sectional design, with healthy 16-to-24-year-olds (n = 165) recruited from the Agder area in Norway, following a vegan, lacto-ovo-vegetarian, pescatarian, flexitarian or omnivore diet. Participants completed an electronic questionnaire, a dietary screener, 24-hour dietary recalls and provided dried blood samples for analysis of carotenoids and fatty acids.ResultsVegans reported the highest mean intake (g/d, g/MJ) of vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds and substitutes to dairy and meat (compared to all, pConclusionsOur findings suggest that all groups had risk of dietary shortcomings. However, vegans consumed the most favorable diet. All groups should increase their consumption of vegetables, fruits and berries, and reduce their total sugar intake.