Abstract
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.
Generated Summary
This research is a cross-sectional study based on nutritional data from the 2015 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS), which included 24-hour dietary recalls. The study aimed to compare sociodemographic, socioeconomic, and health characteristics, and diet quality between Canadian adults following plant-based and omnivore diets. The primary objective was to assess the extent to which key nutrient intakes are of public health concern among Canadians following plant-based diets. The dietary pattern variable was derived from participants’ 24-hour dietary recall data, categorizing respondents into omnivore, semi-plant-based, or strict plant-based (vegan) diet groups. The Nutrient-Rich Food (NRF) index was computed to assess overall diet quality. Statistical analyses were performed using SAS software, with survey weights and bootstrap weights applied to extrapolate results to the national level and produce population-level estimates.
Key Findings & Statistics
- Approximately 15% of the Canadian adult population practices some form of plant-based eating.
- 84.98% of the national population follows an omnivore diet, 13.54% follows a semi-plant-based diet, and 1.48% follows a strict plant-based diet.
- Canadians following a semi-plant-based diet were significantly less likely to be male (42.82%) compared to those following an omnivore diet (50.06%).
- Canadians following a strict plant-based diet were significantly more likely to be an immigrant to Canada (31.03%) compared to omnivores (26.66%), less likely to meet national physical activity recommendations (26.74%) compared to omnivores (45.44%), and less likely to be overweight (20.64%) compared to omnivores (36.54%).
- Canadians following a strict plant-based diet (64.93%) had a higher prevalence of total chronic conditions compared to those following semi-plant-based (52.07%) or omnivore (53.05%) diets, although this difference was insignificant.
- Canadians following a semi-plant-based diet were significantly less likely to be classified in the low NRF index score group (25.70%) and significantly more likely to be classified in the high NRF index score group (43.63%) compared to their omnivore counterparts (low NRF index score: 35.41%, high NRF index score: 31.82%).
- Canadians following a semi-plant-based diet had a significantly higher mean NRF index score (544.03) compared to their omnivore counterparts (517.13).
- Canadians on a strict plant-based diet had significantly lower mean intakes of vitamin A (449.50 mcg), vitamin B6 (1.42 mg), vitamin B12 (0.65 mcg), cholesterol (47.36 mg), MUFAs (16.72 g), SFAs (11.78 g), iron (10.48 mg), niacin (22.13 mg), phosphorus (851.39 mg), riboflavin (1.05 mg), sodium (1695.07 mg), thiamin (1.27 mg), zinc (6.03 mg), total fat (46.84 g), total protein (40.73 g), and total calories (1421.57 kcal), compared to those following an omnivore diet (vitamin A: 666.42 mcg, vitamin B6: 1.78 mg, vitamin B12: 4.45 mcg, cholesterol: 291.09 mg, MUFAs: 27.32 g, SFAs: 23.75 g, iron: 12.86 mg, niacin: 42.37 mg, phosphorus: 1336.73 mg, riboflavin: 1.99 mg, sodium: 2845.16 mg, thiamin: 1.64 mg, zinc: 11.31 mg, total fat: 72.79 g, total protein: 85.95 g, total calories: 1952.98 kcal).
- Canadians following a semi-plant-based diet had significantly higher mean intakes of folate (20.36 g) and dietary fibre (20.36 g), compared to Canadians practicing an omnivore diet (folate: 215.69 mcg, dietary fibre: 17.27 g).
- Canadians practicing a semi- or strict plant-based diet had significantly lower mean intakes of total fat, protein, and energy, compared to their omnivore counterparts.
- The cost of plant-based dietary patterns can vary depending on geographical location, with plant-based diets including nuts, seeds, and legumes potentially being uneconomical in some areas.
- 45.44% of individuals following an omnivore diet met the national physical activity recommendations, compared to 26.74% of those following a strict plant-based diet.
Other Important Findings
- The study highlights that a well-planned plant-based diet is associated with a higher diet quality compared to omnivore diets.
- The study found that Canadians consuming either plant-based diet (semi-plant-based or strict plant-based) were significantly more likely to be female, an immigrant to Canada, and not be overweight.
- The study indicates that not all plant-based diets are equivalent in terms of nutritional value. For example, individuals on a strict plant-based diet had significantly lower mean intakes of several key nutrients like vitamin B12 and calcium, indicating that the inclusion of animal by-products in a diet makes an important contribution to the nutrient intakes.
- Canadians following a semi-plant-based diet had significantly higher mean intakes of folate and dietary fibre, compared to Canadians practicing an omnivore diet.
Limitations Noted in the Document
- The study relied on self-reported 24-hour dietary recalls, which may not accurately represent participants’ usual diets.
- Dietary group classifications were based on the inclusion or exclusion of animal products and by-products, as well as the consumption of fruits and vegetables, limiting the ability to account for the nuances of healthful plant-based diets.
- The study utilized the 95% confidence interval approach for statistical significance, which could lead to false negatives.
- The study had small sample sizes for some variables, requiring the combining or merging of variables.
- The cross-sectional design limits the ability to assess incidence and determine temporal relationships.
- There may be non-response and recall biases.
- The data were collected in 2015 and might not accurately represent current trends due to increased social acceptance and popularity of plant-based eating in recent years.
Conclusion
The research demonstrates the superior diet quality of plant-based diets in Canada, indicating a need for further exploration of their role in improving population health. The analysis found that Canadians on semi-plant-based diets had higher diet quality and a higher intake of essential nutrients compared to omnivore diets. The study showed significant differences in the sociodemographic and health characteristics of individuals following plant-based diets. For instance, the study showed the importance of dietary patterns and how they relate to health outcomes. The evidence supports the promotion of well-planned plant-based diets and the importance of effective communication about their benefits to the Canadian population. The market for plant-based meat alternatives is growing, and these products are in high demand, which highlights the need for awareness regarding the potential for these processed products to contain high levels of sugar, fat, and salt. In addition, it’s worth noting that not all plant-based diets are the same. This highlights the importance of providing the public with awareness on the different levels of dietary patterns, and understanding how they may be beneficial to health.