Plant-based diets: a review of the definitions and nutritional role in the adult diet.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review summarizing definitions and nutritional adequacy of plant-based diets.
PubMed 35760588 · doi:10.1017/S0029665121003839
What was done
The authors conducted a review to summarize global definitions of plant-based diets and examine their nutritional role and adequacy in adults compared to omnivorous diets.
What was found
No quantitative figures, effect sizes, or study counts were reported in the abstract. The review noted that definitions of plant-based diets range broadly from vegan and vegetarian to flexitarian patterns, as well as diets emphasizing plant components (such as Mediterranean, DASH, Nordic, Portfolio, Healthy US-style, and planetary health diets). Plant-based diet consumers were more likely to meet dietary recommendations for carbohydrate, dietary fiber, and vitamin E, but less likely to meet targets for protein, vitamin B12, and iodine compared to omnivores. Neither group met recommendations for vitamin D, calcium, or sodium. Total intakes of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, and zinc were generally sufficient, though the lower bioavailability of plant-derived sources was noted.
Why it matters
As dietary guidelines promote plant-forward diets for health and environmental sustainability, this review identifies key nutrient vulnerabilities (such as vitamin B12, iodine, and lower mineral bioavailability) that require attention during dietary transitions.
Limits
The abstract describes a narrative review without reporting systematic search methods, study quality appraisals, sample sizes, or quantitative data. It aggregates disparate dietary patterns under a broad definition and evaluates dietary intake recommendations rather than biomarker-verified nutritional status.
Cited by
- supports There is no dietary fiber in any animal product.