Vegetarianism, dietary fibre and gastro-intestinal disease.

PURPOSE

To review the association between vegetarianism, dietary fibre and gastro-intestinal disease.

DATA

There is an increasing trend towards vegetarianism in the United Kingdom. Studies have shown a lower than expected death rate in vegetarians with a significant association between meat eating and mortality from all causes in men. Vegetarians were found to have a lower incidence of gastro-intestinal cancer, gallstones, diverticular disease and constipation. Patients treated with vegetarian/high-fibre diets have not experienced significant benefits when diets are used in gastro-intestinal cancer, peptic ulcer disease or inflammatory bowel disease.

CONCLUSION

The benefits of a vegetarian life-style may be conferred to non-vegetarians by eating a carefully planned non-vegetarian diet consisting of increased fruit, vegetables and fibre.