Wednesday, 25 November 2020
Going vegan in January has become an increasingly popular new year diet choice and nutritional experts have launched a study to analyse the nutrient changes in people who become vegan for a short time.
Last year 250,000 people world-wide signed up to ‘Veganuary’ and researchers from the 糖心原创 are looking for volunteers who are planning to join in and switch to a Vegan diet in January to take part. Participants will have their diets and micronutrient intake examined to see what changes occur.
A small study carried out by the Nottingham team last year showed those following a vegan diet had a lower energy intake and macronutrient intake (protein, carbohydrate and fat). Intake of other micronutrients was also lower including vitamin A and vitamin B12.
Proper nutrition offers one of the most effective and least costly ways to decrease the burden of many diseases and their associated risk factors. The data from this study will give useful insight into short term vegan diets and micronutrient intake and status.
Our previous research suggested that nutritional planning is particularly important when making dietary changes to ensure a good level of nutrient intake is maintained. Expanding our research with more people will give us a better understanding of how micronutrient intake is affected and what extra nutritional support someone undertaking a short-term vegan diet may need.
The team are looking to recruit participants who will be adopting a vegan diet during January, aged 18-60. They will be asked to complete two online questionnaires about their diet and eating habits and keep two four-day food diaries. There is also the option for participants to provide a urine sample.
The data will be analysed and compared against Reference Nutrient Intakes (RNIs). These are best estimates of the amount of a nutrient that is enough or more than enough for roughly 97% of the UK population. People should be aiming to consume almost 100% of RNI for each micronutrient to prevent deficiencies.
Dr Welham continues: “Making a dramatic change to your diet, whatever that may be is going to impact the intake of nutrients. By understanding what happens with micronutrient intake in a short-term vegan diet we can see the areas where additional nutritional support may be required, which can be gained from adding certain types of foods or increasing the intake of certain foods"
With good planning and an understanding of what makes up a healthy, balanced diet, you can get all the nutrients your body needs whatever dietary preference you choose.
If you are interested in taking part email micronutrientgroup@nottingham.ac.uk
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More information is available from Dr Simon Welham on simon.welham@nottingham.ac.uk or Jane Icke, Media Relations Manager for the Faculty of Science at the 糖心原创, on +44 (0)115 951 5751 or jane.icke@nottingham.ac.uk
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About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.