Comparison of plasma triacylglycerol levels in vegetarians and omnivores: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effect of vegetarian diets and omnivorous diets on triacylglycerols (TGs).

METHODS

We identified cross-sectional and cohort studies related to TGs (an index of blood lipids) listed on PubMed and ISI Web of Knowledge, bibliographies, and related references and studies suggested by search engines to further increase the range of data collected (all-year time span until May 2011).

RESULTS

Twelve studies with 1300 subjects were included for meta-analysis. Vegetarian diets were effective in lowering plasma TG concentrations (standardized mean difference -1.28 mmol/L, 95% confidence interval -2.14 to -0.42); in eight developed countries, plasma TG levels were insignificantly lower in vegetarians than in omnivores (standardized mean difference -0.31 mmol/L, 95% confidence interval -1.13 to 0.50), but in four developing countries, the phenomenon was obvious (standardized mean difference -4.06 mmol/L, 95% confidence interval -7.43 to -0.70).

CONCLUSION

Compared with omnivorous diets, vegetarian diets provide health benefits, especially in developing countries. This favorable effect occurs even if vegetarian diets last for at least 6 mo.