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Vegan diets and dietary energy density

This study investigates the link between vegan diets and dietary energy density, finding that adopting a vegan diet may lead to lower energy intake. The randomized clinical trial analyzed data from over 10,000 participants, suggesting that a well-planned vegan diet can be an effective way to reduce energy consumption.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 6, 2026

Vegans develop complex skills to navigate an omnivorous society, new Concordia research shows

Researchers found three types of relational fractures: co-performance, co-learning, and marketplace. Vegans employ strategies such as decoding, decoupling, divesting, and chameleoning to cope with conflicts. These findings are transferable to other contexts, highlighting the need for social skills to navigate moral differences.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·TypeObservational study·DateMar 10, 2026

Does a vegetarian upbringing stunt growth?

A landmark study of nearly 1.2 million infants suggests that a vegan or vegetarian diet does not compromise infant growth by age two. The research found that infants from plant-based households follow growth trajectories nearly identical to their omnivorous peers, providing reassuring evidence for parents and pediatricians.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 9, 2026

Largest study of its kind highlights benefits – and risks – of plant-based diets in children

A large meta-analysis of over 48,000 children found that well-planned plant-based diets can support healthy growth and even offer additional health benefits for children. However, the study also highlights risks of deficiencies in key nutrients such as vitamin B12 and zinc if not obtained through fortified foods or supplements.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalCritical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 12, 2025

A healthy diet is key to a healthy gut microbiome

A large-scale study analyzed the gut microbiomes of over 21,500 individuals and found that vegan diets had the healthiest microbiomes, followed by vegetarians and omnivores. The researchers discovered unique microbial signatures for each dietary pattern, with vegans having more beneficial bacteria associated with fiber fermentation.

SourceUniversità di Trento·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 6, 2025

Lab-grown pork gets support from sorghum grain

Researchers have created a prototype cultured pork using kafirin proteins isolated from red sorghum grain, expanding the options for lab-grown meats. The resulting product contains more protein and saturated fat but fewer mono- and polyunsaturated fats compared to raw lean pork.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateOct 28, 2024

Simple food swaps could cut greenhouse gas emissions from household groceries by a quarter

A new study reveals that switching to environmentally friendly food alternatives can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from household groceries. The analysis found that making like-for-like product swaps within sub-categories of foods could lead to emission reductions of up to 26% or 71%.

SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalNature Food·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 28, 2024

Do different plant-based diets affect pregnancy and birth outcomes?

Women following vegan diets during pregnancy may face increased risks of preeclampsia and lower birth weights compared to omnivorous mothers. A recent study found that micronutrient intake was lower among vegans but no major differences were observed when supplements were considered.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica·DateJan 24, 2024

Pregnant women are missing vital nutrients needed for them and their babies – and situation could worsen with plant-based foods

A study published in PLOS Medicine found that 90% of pregnant women in high-income countries lack key vitamins necessary for healthy pregnancies and fetal development. The situation is expected to worsen as more people adopt plant-based diets, leading to increased risk of nutrient deficiencies.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 5, 2023

B12 deficiency: a hidden trigger of inflammation?

A recent study found a compelling link between vitamin B12 deficiency and chronic inflammation, which can lead to various health problems. The research revealed an inverse relationship between vitamin B12 levels and inflammatory markers in humans and mice, suggesting that higher vitamin B12 levels may lower inflammatory markers.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·TypeObservational study·DateOct 17, 2023

Can masculine marketing convince more men to eat vegan?

Researchers investigated whether marketing can influence men's perceptions of vegan food. They found that while short-term interventions may not change consumption habits, long-term approaches could lead to improved attitudes towards veganism.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Communication·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2023

Being a vegetarian may be—partly—in your genes

A genome-wide association study reveals 34 genes potentially involved in choosing a vegetarian diet, including those related to lipid metabolism and brain function. The findings suggest that genetics play a role in the ability to subsist on a vegetarian diet.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateOct 4, 2023

U of I study gives a thumbs up to carefully formulated vegan diets for dogs

A University of Illinois study finds that two human-grade vegan diets provide adequate nutrition for dogs, with benefits including lower blood triglycerides and cholesterol. The research also shows positive changes in the fecal microbiome and reduced stool, indicating a potential shift towards improved gut health.

Keto vs vegan: Study of popular diets finds over fourfold difference in carbon footprints

A new study from Tulane University compared popular diets on nutritional quality and environmental impact, finding that keto and paleo diets scored among the lowest on nutrition quality and had the highest carbon emissions. Vegan diets, on the other hand, generated significantly less carbon dioxide per calorie consumed.

SourceTulane University·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 28, 2023

How women can reduce the risk of hip fracture

A new study found that increasing protein intake by 25g a day and drinking regular cups of tea or coffee can reduce the risk of hip fracture in women by up to 14% and 4%, respectively. The study, which analyzed data from over 26,000 middle-aged women, also discovered that underweight women may experience greater reductions in risk.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalClinical Nutrition·TypeObservational study·DateNov 28, 2022

Red meat consumption may remain high in Finland despite consumer support for plant-based diets

A recent study found that while consumers in Finland express openness to shifting towards a plant-based diet, their purchasing trends reflect a strong preference for red meat. The researchers analyzed individualized purchase data of 29,437 customers and found that red & processed meat accounted for 63% of protein purchases, while plant...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Sustainability and Transformation·TypeObservational study·DateJun 16, 2022

Meat consumption must fall by at least 75 percent

A new study by the University of Bonn recommends significantly reducing meat consumption to mitigate climate change and environmental damage. While mass vegetarianism is not a viable solution due to limited food availability in some regions, moderate meat consumption can be sustainable if implemented carefully.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAnnual Review of Resource Economics·DateApr 25, 2022

Healthier UK diets linked to lower greenhouse gas emissions

A new analysis found that non-vegetarian diets result in higher greenhouse gas emissions than vegetarian diets, while a diet rich in nutrients and low in saturated fats can significantly reduce emissions. The study suggests small changes, such as cutting out sweets or switching brands, can make big environmental gains.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateNov 22, 2021