Nutrient and discretionary food intake in vegan adult Australians: A cross-sectional study

Rationale: Few studies consider nutrient intake, achievement of average requirements (EAR) and discretionary food intake in vegan, adult populations
Methods: Sixty-six adult Australian vegans completed an 8-day semi-weighed food diary. Intake from diet and supplements and diet alone was compared to Australian nutrient reference values (NRVs). The proportion of micronutrient and selected nutrient inadequacy was assessed using the EAR or adequate intake (AI) cut-offs. Discretionary food intake was examined.
Results: Macronutrient intake aligned with the acceptable macronutrient distribution ranges (AMDR). Dietary intakes of calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, selenium, iodine, thiamine, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folate and vitamin A were below the EAR or AI for 7.7-73.1% of the participants. Supplement intake improved the intake for most participants but did not result in adequacy except for vitamin C. Discretionary Foods (DFs) contributed 24.2 +/- 11.8% to total energy intake.
Conclusion: Our data show that macronutrient intake for Australian adult vegans was within acceptable ranges. However, even with the addition of dietary supplements, multiple micronutrients did not meet recommend requirements. A well-planned vegan diet is nutritionally adequate so vegan individuals will benefit from education, nutrition guidance and individual advice regarding supplementation.
Disclosure of Interest: None declared