Traditional and alternative nutrition - levels of homocysteine and lipid parameters in adults

Values of homocysteine and lipid parameters were measured in groups of adul ts consuming alternative nutrition (vegetarians/lactoovo/, vegans) and comp ared with a group consuming traditional diet (omnivores, general population ). Frequency of hyperhomocysteinemia was 53% in the vegans group, 28% in ve getarians vs. 5% in omnivores. In conditions of lower methionine intake (re duced content in plant proteins), the remethylation pathway of homocysteine metabolism prevails and it is vitamin B12 and folate-dependent. The intake of vitamin B12 is equal to zero in vegans; vegetarians consume 124% of the RDA vs. 383% in omnivores. Serum vitamin levels are significantly lower in subjects consuming alternative nutrition with deficiency observed in 24% o f vegetarians, 78% of vegans vs. 0% in omnivores. Serum folate levels are w ithin the reference range in all groups. Mild hyperhomocysteinemia in the g roups consuming alternative diet is a consequence of vitamin B12 deficiency . Vegetarians and vegans meet the RDA for energy and fat, and have a favour able proportion of saturated, mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids on tota l energy intake; the ratio of linoleic/alpha -linolenic acid in their diet corresponds with the recommendations. They have low cholesterol consumption and higher vitamin E and C intake. Optimal fat intake of correct compositi on is reflected in lower values of atherosclerosis risk factors (cholestero l, LDL-cholesterol, atherogenic index, saturated fatty acids, triacylglycer ols), and significantly higher levels of protective substances (linoleic ac id, alpha -linolenic acid, HDL-cholesterol, vitamin E, vitamin E/cholestero l, vitamin C). Low lipid risk factors but higher findings of mild hyperhomo cysteinemia in vegetarians mean a diminished protective effect of alternati ve nutrition in cardiovascular disease prevention.