Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 3 — Observational / field trialPeer-reviewed

Nutrient profiles of vegetarians vs omnivores

Clarys, P. et al.

2014

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Summary

This cross-sectional study, published in Nutrients in 2014 by Clarys and colleagues, examines nutrient intake profiles across a spectrum of dietary patterns ranging from veganism to omnivory, likely drawing on dietary recall or food frequency questionnaire data from a Belgian sample. The paper provides a comparative analysis of macro- and micronutrient adequacy across diet groups, highlighting where plant-based diets may confer benefits (e.g. fibre, certain vitamins) and where nutritional gaps may arise (e.g. vitamin B12, iron, calcium). It is a commonly cited reference in nutrition research examining the health implications of plant-based dietary choices.

UK applicability

Although the study was conducted in Belgium, the dietary patterns and nutrient gaps identified are broadly applicable to UK populations adopting plant-based diets, and the findings are relevant to UK dietary guidelines and public health nutrition policy on vegetarian and vegan diets.

Key measures

Dietary nutrient intakes (macro- and micronutrients); energy intake (kcal/day); protein, fat, carbohydrate, fibre, vitamin B12, iron, calcium, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acid intakes by diet group

Outcomes reported

The study measured and compared dietary nutrient intakes across multiple diet groups including vegans, vegetarians, semi-vegetarians, and omnivores. Outcomes likely included macro- and micronutrient adequacy, energy intake, and potential nutritional deficiencies or surpluses by diet type.

Theme
Nutrition & health
Subject
Dietary patterns & nutrient adequacy
Study type
Research
Study design
Cross-sectional observational study
Source type
Peer-reviewed study
Status
Published
Geography
Belgium
System type
Human dietary survey
Catalogue ID
XL0857

Topic tags

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