Nutrient intake and vitamin status of healthy French vegetarians and nonvegetarians.

Abstract

The status of thiamin, riboflavin, folate, and vitamins B-6, B-12, C, A, D, and E was investigated in 37 middle-aged and healthy French vegetarians by means of a dietary survey and biochemical studies. Values were compared with those of a group of nonvegetarians. Unsatisfactory intakes of vitamin B-6 were observed: vitamin B-6 intake as a percentage of the French Recommended Dietary Allowances was approximately 66% for vegetarians and approximately 58% for nonvegetarians. Vegetarians had a higher mean intake of thiamin, riboflavin, and vitamins C, A, D, and E than did nonvegetarians. Vegetarians did not have a higher risk rate for a biochemical vitamin deficiency of thiamin, riboflavin, folates, and vitamins B-6, C, A, and E than the nonvegetarians. The percentage of subjects assessed as abnormal by blood vitamin concentrations was higher in vegetarians for vitamin B-12 (serum vitamin B-12) and vitamin D, which indicated a higher risk for a deficiency of vitamins B-12 and D in this group.

• Authors: P Millet, J C Guilland, F Fuchs, J Klepping
• Journal: The American journal of clinical nutrition (Am J Clin Nutr) Vol. 50 Issue 4 Pg. 718-27 (Oct 1989) ISSN: 0002-9165 [Print] United States
• PMID: 2801576 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Vitamins

Topics

• Adult
• Diet, Vegetarian
• Energy Intake
• Female
• France (epidemiology)
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Nutritional Requirements
• Nutritional Status
• Vitamins (administration & dosage, blood)