Supporting documents for plant based diet

Why do I believe a vegan diet is safe?
Because there are
  1. Enough trustworthy institutions say it’s safe (eg major hospital, universities, US government, credible doctors)
  1. A number of top performing athletes doing this
  1. A large number of papers addressing all the detailed topics that caused concern
  1. Large population studies which show that it’s not just safe, but one of the best in terms of longevity
 
 

Support of plant based diet from credible sources

Kaiser Permanente, one of the largest hospitals in the US, is promoting plant based diet.
Healthy eating may be best achieved with a plant-based diet, which we define as a regimen that encourages whole, plant-based foods and discourages meats, dairy products, and eggs as well as all refined and processed foods.
Physicians should consider recommending a plant-based diet to all their patients, especially those with high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or obesity.
Paper published by Kaiser:
Kaiser booklet:
 
American Dietetic Association's position:
It is the position of the American Dietetic Association that appropriately planned vegetarian diets, including total vegetarian or vegan diets, are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and may provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases. Well-planned vegetarian diets are appropriate for individuals during all stages of the life cycle, including pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, and adolescence, and for athletes.
 
American Heart Association article
Whether you’re considering eating less meat or giving it up entirely, the benefits are clear: less risk of disease and improved health and well-being. Specifically, less meat decreases the risk of: Heart disease, Stroke, Obesity, High blood pressure, High cholesterol, Type 2 diabetes, Many cancers.
 
American Cancer Society's guideline
In general, the dietary patterns showing the most health benefits are based mainly on plant foods
Red meat refers to unprocessed meat from mammals, such as beef, veal, pork, lamb, mutton, horse, or goat meat, as well as minced or frozen meat. Processed meat has been transformed through curing, smoking, salting, fermentation or other processes to improve preservation or enhance flavor.
Evidence that red and processed meats increase cancer risk has existed for decades, and many health organizations recommend limiting or avoiding these foods. In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) concluded that processed meat is in Group 1 (“carcinogenic [cancer-causing] to humans”) and that red meat is in Group 2A (“probably carcinogenic to humans”), based on evidence for increased risks of colorectal cancer. Recent studies also suggest a possible role of red and/or processed meats in increasing risk of breast cancer and certain forms of prostate cancer, although more research is needed.
 
Stanford article
Focusing on whole foods from plant sources can reduce body weight, blood pressure and risk of heart disease, cancer and diabetes
Plant-based diets include all nutrients — even protein.
 
Harvard article
It's clear that following a plant-based diet is associated with a lower risk of heart disease
research supports the idea that plant-based diets, including vegan diets, provide health benefits.
 

Epidemiology research

 
Blue Zones study conducted by National Geographic
SEE THAT YOUR DIET IS 95-100 PERCENT PLANT-BASED
 
Adventist study by Loma Linda University. Loma Linda is one of the blue zones.
Vegetarians had a lower risk of obesity, hypertension, diabetes and death from all causes
 
The China study, by researchers from Cornell, Oxford and Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine
 

Potential concerns on nutrition deficiency

 
The nutrients of concern in the diet of vegetarians include vitamin B(12), vitamin D, ω-3 fatty acids, calcium, iron, and zinc. Although a vegetarian diet can meet current recommendations for all of these nutrients, the use of supplements and fortified foods provides a useful shield against deficiency.
 

Addressing nutritional concerns

 
Nutritionfacts.org
 
Harvard article on planning plant based diet
 
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
 
 

Specific topics

Soy milk

 
From Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Despite news reports to the contrary, there is no proof soy causes cancer. Actually, there is evidence that consuming soy in childhood and adolescence produces a lower lifetime risk for breast cancer
Numerous studies show it does not increase the risk of cancer, and might even provide protections:
The CKB study demonstrated that moderate soy intake was not associated with breast cancer risk among Chinese women. Higher amount of soy intake might provide reasonable benefits for the prevention of breast cancer.
Clinical trials consistently show that isoflavone intake does not adversely affect markers of breast cancer risk, including mammographic density and cell proliferation. Furthermore, prospective epidemiologic studies involving over 11,000 women from the USA and China show that postdiagnosis soy intake statistically significantly reduces recurrence and improves survival.
We founded that soy isoflavone intake could lower the risk of breast cancer for both pre- and post-menopausal women in Asian countries. However, for women in Western countries, pre- or post-menopausal, there is no evidence to suggest an association between intake of soy isoflavone and breast cancer.
 
Even studies on babies showed no negative effect:
 

Vegetarian/vegan diet for children

 
Academy of Nutrition and Dietics
 
Research papers:
 
In spite of this low energy intake, the vegetarian subjects attained normal height but they were leaner
With regard to the physical fitness tests the vegetarian children (Group A) were not different from the population reference values. However, the vegetarian adolescent boys and girls (Group B) and the young adults (Group C) scored on or below the average in standing long jump and 30 sec. sit-up. On the contrary, the vegetarian subjects of Group B (adolescents) and Group C (young adults) performed better in the step test than the reference group. This latter finding suggests that the vegetarian subjects had a better cardiorespiratory endurance capacity.
 
It is concluded that provided sufficient care is taken, a vegan diet can support normal growth and development.
 
Conclusions: A Hong Kong Chinese vegetarian diet appears healthy, providing adequate iron and vitamin B12 nutrition, but the prevalence of obesity was high.
 
The results of this study show that children can be successfully reared on a vegan diet providing sufficient care is taken to avoid the known pitfalls of a bulky diet and vitamin B12 deficiency.
 
In conclusion, the Vechi Youth Study did not indicate specific nutritional risks among vegetarian and vegan children and adolescents compared to omnivores.
 
What about the study that showed lower height?
Vegan community interpretation:
  • this study is for children aged 5-10. Vegan kids typically grew later, enter adolescence later. So this is expected and reasonable.
    • This is backed by other studies on older kids that showed similar height
 

Concerns on protein

 
Top vegan athletes
Outspoken vegan athletes:
  • Chris Paul: started vegan diet in 2019. Still going strong at the age of 38
    • Other vegans in NBA: Cade Cunningham, Kyrie Irving
  • Lewis Hamilton: the best in his sport. F1 race is very physically demanding
  • Runners: Scott Jurek, Carl Lewis
 
Proof from everyday people
 
Youtube vegan fitness influencers
 
 

Issues with cow milk

 
Estrogen
The present data on men and children indicate that estrogens in milk were absorbed, and gonadotropin secretion was suppressed, followed by a decrease in testosterone secretion. Sexual maturation of prepubertal children could be affected by the ordinary intake of cow milk.
 
Prostate cancer
These data suggest that frequent milk intake in adolescence increases risk of advanced prostate cancer.
 
Breast cancer
The increase in the annual death rates from breast and ovarian cancers might be due to the lifestyle changes (increased consumption of animal-derived food) that occurred after 1945. Among the food, milk and dairy products should receive particular attention since they contain considerable amounts of estrogens.
 
No clear associations were found between soy products and breast cancer, independently of dairy. However, higher intakes of dairy calories and dairy milk were associated with hazard ratios (HRs) of 1.22 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.05-1.40] and 1.50 (95% CI 1.22-1.84)
 

Calcium and bones

  • SOS is not statistically significant
  • BUA is 5% lower but not adjusted for bmi
  • Longer term vegan gets higher bone density
 
Top 5 Calcium Rich Plant Foods 🌱💪
Plant foods definitely have calcium in them, but how do they compare to milk? Find out in this video along with my top 5 sources and a bunch more info to help you have strong and healthy bones.

Links:
Study showing no great benefit over 750 mg/daily (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3101331/)
Another article sharing similar info (https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110524191649.htm)
Chart on calcium absorption rates of different foods (https://courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-nutrition/chapter/12-22-calcium-bioavailability/)

MY NEW EBOOK EASY VEGAN COMFORT MEALS 🍍
https://simnettnutrition.com/easy-vegan-comfort-meals/
FREE EASY VEGAN MEAL PLANNER 📝
https://simnettnutrition.com/easy-vegan-meal-planner/
SIMNETT NUTRITION MERCH 👕
https://simnettnutrition.com/shop/

Time Stamps:

0:00 - Intro
1:08 - What creates strong, healthy bones
2:18 - Why exercise is important for bone health
2:38 - Why menopause causes bone loss
2:51 - How much calcium do we really need?
4:14 - More calcium isn't always better
4:52 - Top 5 Calcium Rich Plant Foods
5:19 - Calcium content of Kale
5:37 - Why Spinach isn't a good source of calcium
5:55 - Calcium content of Tofu
6:32 - Calcium content of Beans
6:46 - Calcium content of Broccoli
7:20 - Calcium content of Tahini
7:53 - Comparing plant based calcium to milk
8:41 - Thanks for watching!

I’m now working with Vedge Nutrition!
Use my code Derek10 for 10% off ALL your orders:
https://www.vedgenutrition.com/?rfsn=7475285.654770

SOCIALS
• INSTAGRAM (DEREK): https://instagram.com/simnettnutrition
• FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/simnettnutrition

WANT TO SEND ME SOMETHING TO TRY?
Derek Simnett
PO Box 413 Parksville
Parksville, BC, Canada V9P2G5

HERE ARE THINGS I USE & LOVE (CAMERA, FITNESS & KITCHEN GEAR, SUPPLEMENTS):
https://www.amazon.com/shop/simnettnutrition

WHO AM I?
I'm Derek Simnett, a Certified Nutritional Practitioner.
I love calisthenics and making good food!
Check out my 2 year transformation: https://youtu.be/MUYqG3zEldc

MUSIC: https://www.epidemicsound.com
https://www.soundstripe.com
#Calcium #nutrition #simnettnutrition
Top 5 Calcium Rich Plant Foods 🌱💪
  • resistance training is the most important for bone health
  • Study showing dietary calcium intake above 750mg/day doesn’t offer benefit
  • Top 5 vegan calcium food: kale, firm tofu, tahini, white bean, broccoli
 
New study: do Vegans have weak bones?
New study on bone health in vegans finds vegans have higher bone fracture risk than vegetarians, omnivores or pescaterians.

new diet study headlines: vegans are more likely to break bones

last week we looked at a low carb study, now its vegans breaking bones

they found vegans were more likely to experience a bone fracture than meat-eaters. Pescaterians and vegetarians had slightly higher risk for some specific fractures, like hip

vegans had the highest risks, especially in the lower body, hip and leg. Arm and rib fractures were not more frequent than in meat-eaters

vegans don’t consume dairy so if they dont get enough calcium from food, they could end up with too little. big difference in bone health between vegans who get enough calcium and those who don’t.

looking only at vegans who ate enough calcium, risk of fractures didn’t go away. protein? protein may affect calcium absorption and some vegans eat less protein. among vegans who ate enough, still higher risk of fractures

body weight or BMI has impact on bone health. fractures are more common in low BMI, especially hip, where vegans had highest risk. vegans had lower average BMI than meat-eaters (27% of women had BMI under 20)

18.5 - 25 = normal, under that = underweight and over that = overweight

to test if BMI was the culprit they compared those with higher BMI to those with lower. higher fracture risk was only seen in the low BMI vegans. So the study is saying the problem is not the vegan diet, it’s having an excessively low BMI

why would low BMI cause bones to break? more weight stimulates your body to increase bone density to hold that weight, so being underweight can result in lower bone density. Also, fat and muscle can protect bones from impact

So more fractures were seen at low BMI, in women where there was a higher fraction of underweight people, and in individuals who were inactive, and we know physical activity helps increase bone density

If the problem was lack of calcium, you’d expect all types of fractures to be increased, wrist, leg, hip etc. the sites more likely to break were areas where higher BMI can be protective, like the leg which supports body weight so bone density will increase with BMI, and the hip where having some fat can provide that cushioning effect.

the ankles are more likely to break in heavier people, and ankle fractures were not increased in vegans, pointing to a specific cause like excessively low BMI in some vegans, not a general problem affecting all bones

we’re talking about bone health, we’ve talked about calcium, protein and BMI… what about VitD?? they didn’t measure VitD, and vegans can have lower levels

Asking if vegans have weak bones is like asking if vegans have low b12. depends. If you ignore b12, you’ll risk deficiency. Same with bones. This study says you can eat a vegan diet and have good bone health, if u cover the basics

takeaways to optimize bone health: Calcium. low oxalate leafy greens like kale and collard greens not have more calcium than milk and it’s more absorbable. sardines are also high in calcium. sesame seeds and beans are high in calcium too (also tofu). get b12 AND vitamin D; can help with bone health. vitD from sunlight! eat enough calories to maintain a healthy BMI. women have less muscle and lower BMIs. you don’t wana be overweight but excessively underweight isn’t healthy either. mirror tells us if we need to put some meat on those bones. Resistance training is a stimulus for building bone density. get adequate protein which may help with calcium absorption and maintaining a healthy BMI.

Connect with me:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrGilCarvalho/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NutritionMadeS3
Animations: Even Topland @toplandmedia

References:
https://bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12916-020-01815-3/tables/2
https://kopernio.com/viewer?doi=10.1038%2Fsj.ejcn.1602659
Avi Bitterman's detailed analysis of the study: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RULbeJnfIg

Disclaimer: The contents of this video are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, nor to replace medical care. The information presented herein is accurate and conforms to the available scientific evidence to the best of the author's knowledge as of the time of posting. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions regarding any medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of information contained in Nutrition Made Simple!.

#NutritionMadeSimple #GilCarvalho
New study: do Vegans have weak bones?
  • in this study, the higher hip fracture rate is only among vegans who are underweight
 
Ex-vegan: vegans look malnourished.
Ex-vegan Juliette Autumn debunks our vegan family.

Links:

Plant Chompers and the Bean Family: Obese kids VS. robust kids (Juliette Autumn)
https://youtu.be/sHi3cbrTA5g

Plant-based diets for children as a means of improving adult cardiometabolic health by Malgorzata Desmond
https://academic.oup.com/nutritionreviews/article/76/4/260/4916885

Growth, body composition, and cardiovascular and nutritional risk of 5- to 10-y-old children consuming vegetarian, vegan, or omnivore diets
https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/113/6/1565/6178918?login=true

Nutrient Intake and Status of German Children and Adolescents Consuming Vegetarian, Vegan or Omnivore Diets: Results of the VeChi Youth Study by Ute Alexy
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8157583/

Nourish: The Definitive Plant-Based Nutrition Guide for Families: With Tips & Recipes for Bringing Health, Joy, & Connection to Your Dinner Table by Reshma Shah and Brenda Davis
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08NMFMRFX/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_3HM1P2BABCE7EYZ5X2GB

The Plant Power Doctor: A simple prescription for a healthier you (Includes delicious recipes to transform your health) by Gemma Newman
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086W1JCBP/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_0M11F8WF1K1H384AD0H6

Pregnancy, Children, and the Vegan Diet by Michael Klaper
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0961424826/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_1RFK94TVVQ80KPB6W9FN

Interview with vegan Olympic gold medalist Meagan Duhamel about her diet and supplements:
https://youtu.be/N5uSXIhuKJo

0:00 Intro
2:09 Why we're skinny
5:48 Vegan kids vs omnivores
9:42 Bone density in vegan kids
13:21 Child nutrition books
16:02 Dr. Michael Klaper
21:24 Starving our children
24:27 Taste is acquired
Ex-vegan: vegans look malnourished.
On bone density: It’s likely due to lower BMI. Resistance training will help too.
 

Prevent deficiencies

 
Mic the Vegan
How to Prevent Deficiencies on a Vegan Diet
I have an ecookbook now! My Cookbook: https://micthevegan.com/product/mics-whole-vegan-cookbook/
This video looks at protein, B12, DHA, calcium, and many other nutrients and how to get enough of them on a vegan diet.
- Links and Sources -
https://www.patreon.com/micthevegan
https://www.facebook.com/micthevegan
https://www.instagram.com/micthevegan - @micthevegan

Cronometer: https://cronometer.com/ (Free)

Tia Blanco's Blood Test Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4jAVH8Xw5U

Nutrients Vegans Get More Of Quote Source:
https://academic.oup.com/biohorizons/article/3/2/197/187746/A-scientific-review-of-the-reported-effects-of

2016 Position on Vegetarian Diets:
http://www.andjrnl.org/article/S2212-2672(16)31192-3/pdf

Vegan Blood Protein Levels Higher than Omnivores:
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0065242309470070

Vegan B12 Recommendation Backup:
- http://nutritionfacts.org/2014/12/18/the-vitamin-everyone-on-a-plant-based-diet-needs/
- http://tinyurl.com/zeuv76b
- http://www.veganhealth.org/articles/vitaminb12

Nori Contains B12 Study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4042564/

Nori Raised Rat B12 Levels:
B12 Rat: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11430774

DHA 150-300 mg - Various Authorities/Countries:
http://tinyurl.com/hpjuztt

DHA Low Conversion 2%:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12936959
Average Conversion 3.8%:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9637947
High Conversion 9%:
http://tinyurl.com/h5f3h77

Recommendations to Take DHA 2-3 Times a Week:
http://www.theveganrd.com/2010/11/recommended-supplements-for-vegans.html
http://nutritionfacts.org/video/should-vegans-take-dha-to-preserve-brain-function/

Iron with Vitamin C:
http://www.annualreviews.org/doi/abs/10.1146/annurev.nu.01.070181.001011

Heme Iron Implicated Carcinogen:
http://cancerpreventionresearch.aacrjournals.org/content/4/2/177.full-text.pdf

1 million get sick from salmonella in the US:
https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/

Zinc Resource:
http://www.theveganrd.com/2009/05/getting-enough-zinc-on-vegan-diets.html

Vegan, Vegetarian, and Omnivore Zinc Levels:
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jsfa.6179/pdf

UV Exposed Mushrooms Equal Vitamin D Supplement:
http://www.nature.com/ejcn/journal/v65/n8/pdf/ejcn201153a.pdf

Mushrooms Darken with Exposure:
http://news.psu.edu/gallery/283436/2013/08/05/mushrooms-vitamin-d

WHO Calcium:
http://www.who.int/nutrition/topics/5_population_nutrient/en/index25.html

212 Studies Study on Calcium:
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/proceedings-of-the-nutrition-society/article/calcium-phosphorus-and-magnesium-requirement/77A1AF5EDF7CD5D50EA4985E5726DA75

Calcium Supplements No Longer Recommended:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3970298/

Kresser on K2:
https://chriskresser.com/vitamin-k2-the-missing-nutrient/

Sauerkraut Source of K2 Study:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3941825/table/tbl2/

Vegans 42% less heart disease mortality, etc: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4073139/

Esselstyn's Clinical Trial on Cardiovascular Disease:
http://dresselstyn.com/JFP_06307_Article1.pdf

Vegan Bone Density Equal:
https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00198-009-0916-z
How to Prevent Deficiencies on a Vegan Diet
Conclusions:
  • eat enough calorie
  • Get adequate source of B12 and DHA
  • For iron
    • Squeeze some lemon on dark leafy greens
  • For calcium
    • One serving of sesame seeds: 300mg
    • A cup of collard greens: 250mg
    • One serving of tofu: 250mg
  • Vitamin D: mushrooms
  • Zinc: some pumpkin seeds
 
Simon Hill
Recommends essential 8 supplement:
DHA: 180mg
EPA: 90mg
B12: 250mcg
D3: 1000IU
Iron: 12mg
Calcium: 250mg
Selenium: 70mcg
Iodine: 150mcg
Zinc: 12mg
 
Hippo 7 vegan complete supplement
DHA: 150mg
EPA: 75mg
B12: 24mcg
D3: 1000IU
Iron: 18mg
Calcium: 200mg
Iodine: 150mcg
Zinc: 11mg
 
Michael Gregor
B12: 2000mcg supplement each week
Vitamin D: sunlight Or 2000IU supplement daily
Calcium: dark leafy green
DHA/EPA: supplement
Iodine: eat seaweed or supplement 150mcg daily
Iron: iron rich food with vitamin C and get checked
Selenium: Northern Europeans should supplement