The EAT-Lancet commission advocated a planetary health diet in 2019. Some have raised concerns about its nutrient adequacy. This study used data from recent Nutrition and Health Surveys in Taiwan-from 2017 to 2020 (n = 6538)-to assess food intake and nutrient adequacy among three red meat consumption levels (low/medium/high). The low red meat group, whose diet was similar to the EAT-Lancet reference, showed significantly higher/better levels of vitamins C and E, calcium, magnesium, sodium, dietary fiber, and the polyunsaturated to saturated fatty acids ratio. However, protein, B vitamins, phosphorus for females, and zinc were slightly compromised, but they were still near or above 100% of the Daily Reference Intakes (DRIs), except for zinc (74~75%). The intake levels of vitamin D, calcium, and dietary fiber in all three groups at times did not reach 70% of the DRIs, but this was more pronounced in the high red meat group compared to the low red meat group. Replacing ultra-processed foods (UPFs) with whole/healthy foods improved levels of zinc, calcium, and dietary fiber, but not vitamin D. Finally, a proposed local planetary health dietary construct was provided, suggesting maintaining the original distribution of the food groups recommended by the Taiwan Food Guide while specifying amounts of protein sources in line with the EAT-Lancet principles. The proposed diet, according to our estimation and comparison with Taiwanese DRIs, was nearly perfect in its nutrient composition.

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a genetic kidney disorder with multiple cyst formation that progresses to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage kidney disease. Plant-based diets have attracted considerable attention because they may prevent CKD development. This study investigated whether adherence to a plant-based diet is associated with kidney function in patients with ADPKD. The overall plant-based diet index (PDI), healthful PDI (hPDI), and unhealthful PDI (uPDI) were calculated using dietary intake data. Among 106 ADPKD patients, 37 (34.91%) were classified as having advanced CKD (eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2). The overall PDI and hPDI were lower, but the uPDI was higher in patients with advanced CKD than in those with early CKD. The hPDI was negatively correlated with the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio. Moreover, the hPDI was inversely associated with advanced CKD [odds ratio (OR): 0.117 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.039-0.351), p < 0.001], and the uPDI was positively associated with advanced CKD [OR: 8.450 (95% CI: 2.810-25.409), p < 0.001]. The findings of the current study demonstrate that greater adherence to a healthful plant-based diet is associated with improved kidney function in ADPKD patients.

It is unclear if following a vegetarian diet affects muscle recovery after exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD). Sixteen vegetarians (VEG) and sixteen mixed dieters (MIX) performed a vertical jump, quadriceps femoris maximal isometric, and isokinetic concentric strength tests prior to and five days following the EIMD protocol. The quadriceps muscle was injured by performing eccentric contractions. Diet: MIX consumed more g/kg of animal protein (p < 0.001) and EAA (p < 0.05) except for isoleucine. VEG consumed more plant protein (p = 0.001). Isometric strength: MIX recovered post-day 2, VEG recovered post-day 4 (group (p = 0.07), time (p < 0.001)). Concentric contractions at 60 degrees per second: Both recovered post-day 1 (group (p = 0.27), time (p = 0.05)); 180 degrees per second: MIX recovered post-day 2, VEG recovered post-day 5 (group (p = 0.10), time (p < 0.001)); and 240 degrees per second: MIX recovered post-day 1, VEG did not recover by post-day 5 (group (p = 0.01), time (p < 0.001)). Vertical jump: Both recovered post-day 3 (group (p = 0.45), time (p < 0.001)). MIX recovered isometric strength 2 days faster, concentric strength was up to 5 days faster, and soreness was 1-4 days faster when compared to VEG. Both groups had similar recovery time for power.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common heart rhythm disorder in the Western world. Between the years 2010 and 2019, the global prevalence of AF rose from 33.5 million to 59 million, highlighting the importance of developing equitable treatments for patients. The disease is associated with symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, and cognitive dysfunction. In addition, AF increases the risk of developing a stroke and heart failure. Despite new insights into risk factors that can lead to the development of AF, the success of current treatments is suboptimal. Numerous risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity, have been associated with the development and progression of AF. As these can be lifestyle-related risk factors, lifestyle modification may be a solution to reduce AF-related symptoms as well as episodes. Research results show that certain dietary changes can reduce AF and numerous risk factors for AF. Increasing attention is being given to Mediterranean and whole, plant-based eating patterns, which emphasize eating grains, legumes, vegetables, fruits, and nuts, while excluding most-or all-animal products. Hence, what are the beneficial aspects of a Mediterranean and plant-based diet which consists mainly of unprocessed foods? In the current review, we discuss the outcomes of diet-based treatments. Moreover, other diet-related treatments, brought up by patient initiatives, are highlighted. These patient-initiated studies include L-glutamine and electrolytes as options to manage AF. Also, we highlight the emerging importance of valuing patient needs and a quality-of-life-centered approach to medicine. As indicated by recent studies and patient experiences, citizen science can create inclusive solutions that lead to patient empowerment and a holistic approach for AF management.

In Canada, unhealthy dietary patterns comprise diets with poor nutrient density and are associated with chronic conditions. Plant-based diets have gained popularity due to their ability to provide a nutritionally adequate healthy diet. This study aims to compare sociodemographic, socioeconomic, and health characteristics, and diet quality between Canadian adults following plant-based and omnivore diets as well as assess the extent to which key nutrient intakes are of public health concern among Canadians following plant-based diets. The study used nationally representative nutritional data from the 2015 Canadian Community Health Survey and descriptive statistics were computed. The analysis determined that Canadians following strict plant-based diets (1% of total population) were significantly more likely to be an immigrant to Canada, less likely to meet national physical activity guidelines, and less likely to be overweight, compared to Canadians following omnivore diets. Compared to omnivore diets, plant-based diets were nutritionally superior according to the Nutrient-Rich Food index. Continued knowledge translation on what comprises healthy plant-based diets, public guidance on the intersection between diet and health, and the completion of prospective cohort studies are needed. To conclude, the research suggests well-planned plant-based diets, in comparison to omnivore diets, offer a nutrient-dense diet.

This review explores the multifaceted relationship between dietary factors and breast cancer outcomes, focusing on unsaturated fats, the Mediterranean diet (MD), and other nutritional components. Breast cancer remains a significant global health concern, with lifestyle factors like diet playing a pivotal role in prevention and management. The review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. Articles written in English and released between 2019 and 2024 were acceptable. We used pertinent search terms such as \"unsaturated fats\", \"Mediterranean diet\", \"breast cancer\", and \"nutrition\" to perform searches in PubMed, PubMed Central (PMC), EBSCOhost, and grey literature such as Google Scholar. After screening, 11 of the 479 original papers were chosen and included in the final review. These include cross-sectional analysis and systematic review, cohort study, narrative review, systematic review and meta-analysis, case-control study, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and cross-sectional study. Key findings suggest that adherence to the MD correlates with improved quality of life measures and reduced mortality rates among women with breast cancer, particularly in older age groups. The diet\'s emphasis on antioxidant-rich foods, anti-inflammatory compounds, and healthy fats contributes to these observed benefits. Specific unsaturated fats, notably omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) like docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), demonstrate anti-cancer properties by modulating cancer cell behavior and enhancing treatment responses. Biomarkers associated with the MD, such as β-carotene and lycopene, serve as indicators of dietary compliance and potential risk reduction. Furthermore, components found in olive oil, including polyphenols and monounsaturated fatty acids, exhibit promising effects in preventing breast cancer by exerting antioxidant and anti-proliferative actions. Other dietary factors like calcium, legumes, fruits, and vegetables also play a role in reducing breast cancer risk and improving survival rates. This review underscores the importance of dietary interventions in optimizing outcomes for breast cancer patients and highlights the need for further research to elucidate underlying mechanisms and refine dietary recommendations.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic cancer risk has been associated with increased serum cholesterol level, which is in turn partially influenced by diet. This study aimed at evaluating the association between pancreatic cancer risk and the adherence to a plant-based cholesterol-lowering diet.
METHODS: Data were derived from an Italian case-control study including 258 pancreatic cancer patients and 551 controls. The cholesterol-lowering diet score was based on seven components: high intakes of (i) non-cellulosic polysaccharides (a proxy of viscous fibers), (ii) monounsaturated fatty acids, (iii) legumes, and (iv) seeds/corn oils (a proxy of phytosterols); and low intakes of (v) saturated fatty acids, (vi) dietary cholesterol, and (vii) food with a high glycemic index. The score was calculated adding one point for each fulfilled component, thus ranging from zero (no adherence) to seven (complete adherence). The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated through the logistic regression model.
RESULTS: Scores 5-7 were associated with reduced cancer risk (OR = 0.30; 95% CI: 0.18-0.52) compared to scores 0-2.
CONCLUSIONS: Adherence to a plant-based cholesterol-lowering diet was associated with a reduced risk of pancreatic cancer.

Vegetarian diets are plant-based diets including all the edible foods from the Plant Kingdom, such as grains, legumes, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds. Dairy and eggs can be added in small amounts in the lacto-ovo-vegetarian subtype, or not at all in the vegan subtype. The abundance of non-processed plant foods-typical of all well-planned diets, including vegetarian ones-can provide the body with numerous protective factors (fiber, phytocompounds), while limiting the intake of harmful nutrients like saturated fats, heme-iron, and cholesterol. The beneficial effects on health of this balance have been reported for many main chronic diseases, in both observational and intervention studies. The scientific literature indicates that vegetarians have a lower risk of certain types of cancer, overall cancer, overweight-obesity, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and vascular diseases. Since the trend of following a vegetarian diet is increasing among citizens of developed countries, the knowledge in the field will benefit from further studies confirming the consistency of these findings and clarifying the effects of vegetarian diets on other controversial topics.

BACKGROUND: The benefit of adherence to a plant-based diet concerning colorectal cancer (CRC) has not been investigated among Middle Eastern population. This study aimed to investigate how adherence to a plant-based diet influences the risk of CRC in this understudied population.
METHODS: This case-control study was conducted in the CRC surgery departments of general hospitals in Tehran, Iran. A total of 71 individuals with newly diagnosed CRC (cases) and 142 controls subjects free of cancer and acute illness were concurrently recruited from the same hospital. Dietary information was collected using a semi-quantitative 168-item food frequency questionnaire. Dietary patterns were characterized using the plant-based diet index (PDI), unhealthy plant-based diet index (uPDI) and healthy plant-based diet index (hPDI). Multivariate logistic regression was employed to assess the association between these dietary patterns and the risk of CRC.
RESULTS: After adjusting the potential confounders, the risk of CRC was significantly lower in the highest tertile of hPDI compared to the lowest tertile (odds ratio (OR) = 0.21; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.07-0.56, representing 79% risk reduction). Conversely, the risk of CRC was significantly higher in the highest tertile of uPDI compared to the lowest tertile (OR = 6.76; 95% CI: 2.41-18.94). PDI was no significant associated with the risk of CRC.
CONCLUSIONS: This study found that higher scores on the hPDI was significantly associated with a decrease risk of CRC, while greater adherence to the uPDI contributed to a significantly increase risk.

Plant-based diets (PBDs) are gaining attention as a sustainable and health-conscious alternative for managing various chronic conditions, including metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). In the absence of pharmacological treatments, exploring the potential of lifestyle modifications to improve biochemical and pathological outcomes becomes crucial. The adoption of PBDs has demonstrated beneficial effects such as weight control, increased metabolic health and improved coexisting diseases. Nonetheless, challenges persist, including adherence difficulties, ensuring nutritional adequacy, and addressing potential deficiencies. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the impact of PBDs on MASLD, emphasizing the need for tailored dietary interventions with professional support to optimize their effectiveness in preventing and treating metabolic diseases.