Research
Research and Professional Brief
Nutrient Adequacy of a Very Low-Fat Vegan Diet

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Abstract

This study assessed the nutrient adequacy of a very low-fat vegan diet. Thirty-nine men (mean age=65 years) with early stage prostate cancer who chose the “watchful waiting” approach to disease management, were instructed by a registered dietitian and a chef on following a very low-fat (10%) vegan diet with the addition of a fortified soy protein powdered beverage. Three-day food diaries, excluding vitamin and mineral supplements, were analyzed and nutrient values were compared against Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI). Mean dietary intake met the recommended DRIs. On the basis of the Adequate Intake standard, a less than adequate intake was observed for vitamin D. This demonstrates that a very low-fat vegan diet with comprehensive nutrition education emphasizing nutrient-fortified plant foods is nutritionally adequate, with the exception of vitamin D. Vitamin D supplementation, especially for those with limited sun exposure, can help assure nutritional adequacy.

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Methods

The participants were 39 men (mean age=65 years) from the Prostate Cancer Lifestyle Trial (28), a randomized prospective clinical trial determining the effect of diet and comprehensive lifestyle changes on prostate cancer progression. Approval from the Institutional Review Board of the University of California, San Francisco was obtained. The experimental group, which met weekly, followed a very low-fat vegan diet that was supplemented with a fortified soy protein powdered beverage. The group

Conclusions

Results of this study have the following practical implications for nutrition professionals:

  • Individuals following a very low-fat vegan diet would benefit from nutrition counseling emphasizing well-planned meals and inclusion of fortified plant foods daily to ensure nutrient adequacy, especially for vitamins B-12 and D.

  • Inclusion of a fortified soy protein supplement in a very low-fat vegan diet provides isoflavones for prostate cancer risk reduction and may aid in ensuring nutrient adequacy.

S. R. Dunn-Emke is a registered dietitian, G. Weidner is research director, E. B. Pettengill is associate research director, R.O. Marlin is medical director, C. Chi is data coordinator and nutrition assistant, and D. Ornish is president and director, Preventive Medicine Research Institute, Sausalito, CA.

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    S. R. Dunn-Emke is a registered dietitian, G. Weidner is research director, E. B. Pettengill is associate research director, R.O. Marlin is medical director, C. Chi is data coordinator and nutrition assistant, and D. Ornish is president and director, Preventive Medicine Research Institute, Sausalito, CA.

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