Nutrient and Food Intake of Participants in a Whole-Food Plant-Based Lifestyle Program

J Am Coll Nutr. 2021 May-Jun;40(4):333-348. doi: 10.1080/07315724.2020.1778584. Epub 2020 Jul 24.

Abstract

Objective: We evaluated the nutrient adequacy of a well-planned supplemented whole-food plant-based (WFPB) diet as a component of an ongoing community lifestyle optimization program. We investigated the contributions of nutrients from foods and supplements and plant-based meal replacement (SMR) separately (foods, SMR) and combined (vs recommendations) as well as food group intake, both according to sex.

Method: Our cross-sectional study included 151 healthy, active participants (aged 39.6 years) who were on a Western-type diet when they voluntarily joined our WFPB lifestyle program (0.5-10 years ago). We assessed diet using 3-day weighed dietary records (foods, S, and MR). After we standardized nutrient intake to 2000 kcal/d, we calculated the contribution of macro- and micronutrients from foods and SMR separately and combined (foods + SMR) (vs central European Recommendations), as well as food group intake, both according to sex.

Results: All macro- and micronutrient intake (total: from foods plus SMR) exceeded the reference values, except for calcium (95% and 82% in females and males) and vitamin D (both sexes, in summertime). Compared with male participants, female participants consumed (i.e., from foods and SMR together) significantly larger amounts of 23 (/25) micronutrients (8 [/25] from foods and 22 [/25] from SMR). The diet was primarily composed of the following (by mass in descending order): unprocessed vegetables/fruits, whole grains, legumes, potatoes, nuts/seeds, MR, and spices/herbs.

Conclusions: Participants in our WFPB lifestyle program ingested a nutrient-rich WFPB diet and targeted supplementation. The presented ongoing community WFPB lifestyle program ensures a healthy, balanced, and environment-friendly dietary pattern for participants who are compliant.

Keywords: 3-day dietary record; Nutrition; dietary supplement; nutritional adequacy; plant-based diet; vegan diet.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Diet, Vegetarian*
  • Energy Intake
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Life Style
  • Male
  • Micronutrients*
  • Nutrients
  • Vegetables

Substances

  • Micronutrients