Changing from a mixed to self-selected vegetarian diet - influence on blood lipids F. Robinson,* A. F. Hackett,* D. Billington and G. Stratton* Abstract ObjectiveTo observe any changes in serum concentrations of lipids, when UK meat-eaters switch to a self selected vegetarian diet for 6months. DesignObservational study using capillary blood samples and 3-day estimated dietary diary. Setting: Free-living subjects in the North-West of England. Subjects: Twelve male and 31 female adult volunteers aged between 18 and 42years. Outcome measures: Serum lipids; nutrient intake and anthropometric measurements at baseline and 6months after switching to a self-selected vegetarian diet. Results: Total energy intake and amount of energy derived from saturated fatty acids decreased significantly after changing to a vegetarian diet (P<0.05) whereas energy derived from carbohydrate, and intakes of nonstarch polysaccharide intake increased. On switching to a vegetarian diet, total cholesterol and triacylglycerol concentrations were not significantly changed, but HDL-C was 21% higher than at baseline (1.21mmolL1 vs. 1.47mmolL1; P=0.001). Conclusions: These results suggest that beneficial changes to diet occurred on changing to a self-selected vegetarian diet. Changing to a self-selected vegetarian diet appears to be one way of achieving a better blood lipid profile. Journal of Human Nutrition & Dietetics Volume 15 Issue 5 Page 323 - October 2002 Ann Nutr Metab, 11/03 Blood Pressure & Dietary Modification Works Nutrients that may help lower blood pressure J Nutr, 8/05 Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.