Preprint / Version 1

Vegetarian Epidemiology: Review and Discussion of Findings from Geographically Diverse Cohorts

Authors

  • Michael Orlich Schools of Medicine and Public Health, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA
  • Tina Chiu Department of Nutrition Therapy, Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Chiayi, Taiwan
  • Preet Dhillon Centre for Chronic Conditions and Injuries (CCCI), Public Health Foundation of India, Gurugram, India
  • Timothy Key Cancer Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
  • Gary Fraser Schools of Medicine and Public Health, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA
  • Krithiga Shridhar Centre for Chronic Conditions and Injuries (CCCI), Public Health Foundation of India, Gurugram, India
  • Sutapa Agrawal Centre for Chronic Conditions and Injuries (CCCI), Public Health Foundation of India, Gurugram, India
  • Sanjay Kinra London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom

Keywords:

epidemiologic studies, vegetarians, plant-based diet pattern, chronic disease risk, Adventist Health Study, Indian Migration Study, EPIC-Oxford, Tzu Chi Health Study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Epidemiologic cohort studies enrolling a large percentage of vegetarians have been highly informative regarding the nutritional adequacy and possible health effects of vegetarian diets. The 2 largest such cohorts are the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition–Oxford (EPIC-Oxford) and the Adventist Health Study–2 (AHS-2). These cohorts are described and their findings discussed, including a discussion of where findings appear to diverge. Although such studies from North America and the United Kingdom have been important, the large majority of the world's vegetarians live in other regions, particularly in Asia. Findings from recent cohort studies of vegetarians in East and South Asia are reviewed, particularly the Tzu Chi Health Study and Indian Migration Study. Important considerations for the study of the health of vegetarians in Asia are discussed. Vegetarian diets vary substantially, as may associated health outcomes. Cohort studies remain an important tool to better characterize the health of vegetarian populations around the globe. Keywords: epidemiologic studies, vegetarians, plant-based diet pattern, chronic disease risk, Adventist Health Study, Indian Migration Study, EPIC-Oxford, Tzu Chi Health Study

Author Biography

Tina Chiu, Department of Nutrition Therapy, Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Chiayi, Taiwan

College of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan

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