Effect of the vegetarian diet on non‐communicable diseases

A vegetarian diet generally includes plenty of vegetables and fruits, which are rich in phytochemicals, antioxidants, fiber, magnesium, vitamins C and E, Fe³⁺, folic acid and n‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), and is low in cholesterol, total fat and saturated fatty acid, sodium, Fe²⁺, zinc, vitamin A, B₁₂ and D, and especially n‐3 PUFA. Mortality from all‐cause, ischemic heart disease, and circulatory and cerebrovascular diseases was significantly lower in vegetarians than in omnivorous populations. Compared with omnivores, the incidence of cancer and type 2 diabetes was also significantly lower in vegetarians. However, vegetarians have a number of increased risk factors for non‐communicable diseases such as increased plasma homocysteine, mean platelet volume and platelet aggregability compared with omnivores, which are associated with low intake of vitamin B₁₂ and n‐3 PUFA. Based on the present data, it would seem appropriate for vegetarians to carefully design their diet, specifically focusing on increasing their intake of vitamin B₁₂ and n‐3 PUFA to further reduce already low mortality and morbidity from non‐communicable diseases. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry     

Tissue distribution of anthocyanins in rats fed a blackberry anthocyanin‐enriched diet

Anthocyanins are natural dietary pigments that could be involved in various health effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution of anthocyanins to various organs (bladder, prostate, testes, heart and adipose tissue) in rats fed with a blackberry anthocyanin‐enriched diet for 12 days. Identification and quantification of anthocyanins were carried out by HPLC‐DAD. The urinary excretion of total anthocyanins (native anthocyanins and their metabolites) was low (0.20 ± 0.03%, n = 8). Proportions of anthocyanin derivatives (methylated anthocyanins and glucurono‐conjugated derivatives) differed according to the organ considered. The bladder contained the highest levels of anthocyanins followed by the prostate. Prostate, testes and heart contained native cyanidin 3‐glucoside and a small proportion of cyanidin monoglucuronide. Cyanidin 3‐glucoside and methylated derivatives were present in adipose tissue. Thus, anthocyanin feeding in rats resulted in a wide distribution of anthocyanin derivatives to several organs. Identification of target tissues of anthocyanins may then help to understand the mechanisms of action of anthocyanins in vivo.