Food Systems Program, University of Vermont, Marsh Life Sciences, 109 Carrigan Drive, Burlington, VT 05405, USA.
Department of Community Development and Applied Economics, University of Vermont, Morrill Hall, 146 University Place, Burlington, VT 05405, USA.
Nutrients. 2024 Oct 16;16(20):3504. doi: 10.3390/nu16203504.
(1) Background: Healthful plant-based diets, especially those rich in minimally processed plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, have been associated with a lower risk of diet-related chronic disease. However, individuals who limit or avoid animal products may be at risk of nutrient deficiencies, especially related to Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, iron, iodine, zinc, and protein. Such deficiencies can result in both short- and long-term health challenges. We used qualitative methods to explore plant-based eaters' knowledge and awareness of these eight nutrients of concern in diets that limit or exclude animal-source foods. (2) Methods: We conducted interviews with 28 rural flexitarian, pescatarian, vegan, or vegetarian adults in Vermont, USA. (3) Results: The participants positively viewed the healthfulness of plant-based diets, but many recognized limitations to accessing Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids. They shared the strategies used to meet their needs including eating a varied diet, seeking out specific foods, and taking dietary supplements. Analyses identified gaps in the participants' knowledge related to nutrient bioavailability, food sources of specific nutrients, and the importance of zinc and iodine. Vegans-the highest-risk group-generally presented as the most knowledgeable. The participants noted a lack of local plant-based nutrition expertise. (4) Conclusions: Addressing the identified knowledge gaps and challenges to dietary adequacy, especially among those who limit, but do not fully omit, animal-source foods, may support plant-based nutrition.
（1）背景：健康的植物性饮食，特别是那些富含经过最少加工的植物性食物的饮食，如水果、蔬菜和全谷物，与较低的饮食相关慢性病风险有关。然而，限制或避免动物产品的人可能存在营养缺乏的风险，特别是与维生素 B12、维生素 D、欧米伽 3 脂肪酸、钙、铁、碘、锌和蛋白质有关。这些缺乏会导致短期和长期的健康挑战。我们使用定性方法来探讨限制或排除动物源食品的植物性饮食中，这些八种关注营养素的知识和意识。（2）方法：我们对美国佛蒙特州的 28 名农村杂食者、鱼素者、素食者或严格素食者进行了访谈。（3）结果：参与者对植物性饮食的健康益处持积极态度，但许多人认识到限制或排除动物源食品的饮食中，摄入维生素 B12、维生素 D 和欧米伽 3 脂肪酸的局限性。他们分享了满足需求的策略，包括饮食多样化、寻找特定食物和服用膳食补充剂。分析确定了参与者在营养生物利用度、特定营养素的食物来源以及锌和碘的重要性方面的知识差距。纯素食者——风险最高的群体——通常表现出最丰富的知识。参与者注意到缺乏当地的植物性营养专业知识。（4）结论：解决已确定的知识差距和饮食充足性挑战，特别是在那些限制但不完全避免动物源食物的人群中，可能会支持植物性营养。
