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Dietary Differences Between Vegetarian and Omnivore College Students
Author(s) -
Bunawan Stephanie,
Edens David R,
Goardon Aleida,
BurnsWhitmore Bonny
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.31.1_supplement.962.3
Subject(s) - vegan diet , micronutrient , dietary reference intake , omnivore , choline , reference daily intake , food science , nutrient , medicine , vitamin , vitamin b12 , vitamin d and neurology , nutrition education , food group , environmental health , chemistry , gerontology , biology , endocrinology , paleontology , organic chemistry , pathology , predation
Approximately 21% of college students are self‐reported vegetarians. Vegetarian diets have been associated with lower risks of certain chronic diseases; however, vegetarians, especially college‐aged vegetarians may have nutrient risks due to diet limitations. The purpose of this study was to assess the differences in dietary intake of vegetarians and omnivores in college students and determine if the student diet groups met the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI). Thirty‐three 18–35yo college students completed five‐day food and activity records, and were grouped into the vegetarian group/vegan group (n=14) or omnivore group (n=19) based on self‐reported diet preferences and food records. Vegetarian and vegan diets were combined for analysis due to the low number of vegan respondents. The dietary intakes of both groups were compared to the DRIs, and vegetarians had significantly (p<0.05) lower intakes of protein, saturated fat, cholesterol, selenium, and sodium; and higher intakes in fiber, vitamin A, beta‐carotene, folate, vitamin K, copper, magnesium, manganese, and molybdenum as compared to omnivores. Vegetarians did not meet the DRI recommendations for n‐3 PUFA or n‐6 PUFA and both diets did not meet the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA)/Adequate Intake (AI) for vitamin D, calcium, chromium, selenium, and choline. Omnivores had significantly lower intakes of RDAs/AIs in dietary fiber, vitamin D, folate, vitamin K, calcium, chromium, iron, magnesium, molybdenum, and choline. Therefore, at the micronutrient level, both groups fall short in certain nutrients, suggesting a need for campus‐wide awareness and action to address and ensure that students consume adequate diets. Support or Funding Information Self‐support