Restricted diets, micronutrient intake and nutritional status
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Nottingham
Department Name: Sch of Biosciences
Abstract
The number of individuals choosing to follow a restricted diet due to health or lifestyle reasons has increased dramatically in recent years. In the UK there are 300% more vegans today than 10 years ago. Approximately 1:100 people within the UK are diagnosed with coeliac disease and a further 7% UK adults choose to avoid gluten in their diet for perceived intolerance. Sales of alternative milk products have increased by 155 % from 2011 to 2013 and sales of gluten free products in the UK increased 15% from 2013-2015 (Mintel, 2017). Shifts in dietary habits are taking place yet the impact of such changes on micronutrient intake, status and subsequent health outcomes has not been determined.
Aims:
1. Determine the micronutrient and macronutrient composition of alternative food products
2. Assess micronutrient status, including iodine, of individuals following a restricted diet (vegan, vegetarian, gluten free)
3. Investigate methods, such as fortification, to improve micronutrient intake and status of individuals following restrictive diets.
Aims:
1. Determine the micronutrient and macronutrient composition of alternative food products
2. Assess micronutrient status, including iodine, of individuals following a restricted diet (vegan, vegetarian, gluten free)
3. Investigate methods, such as fortification, to improve micronutrient intake and status of individuals following restrictive diets.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| Zoe Wilson (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Simon Welham (Primary Supervisor) |
| Description | With this award, we have demonstrated that a significant population in the UK and worldwide are at risk of iodine deficiency. Our research investigating the iodine intake and status of UK vegans, vegetarians and vegans shows that those with dietary restrictions are particularly vulnerable. Our systematic review of the world's literature concluded that vegans have increased risk of low iodine status, deficiency and inadequate intake compared with adults following less restrictive diets. Adults following vegan and vegetarian diets living in countries with a high prevalence of deficiency may be more exposed. Moreover, alternative milks have been recognised as a possible barrier to achieving optimal iodine status, as iodine rich cow's milk (a major source of iodine in the diet) is displaced. Our research also highlights that nutritional planning is particularly important when making dietary changes. We found that those implementing short-term vegan diets had a lower energy intake and macronutrient intake (protein, carbohydrate and fat). Intake of other micronutrients alongside iodine was also lower including vitamin A and vitamin B12. Dual micronutrient malnutrition can have significant societal and economic impacts. |
| Exploitation Route | Our findings are important and highly relevant to today's society given the rise in popularity of these diets in the UK. We wish to continue monitoring of iodine status in industrialised countries and research into improving the iodine intake and status of adults following vegan and vegetarian diets is required. We aim to do this through collaboration with other iodine research groups in the UK. Through our assessment we aim to identify suitable targets for fortification to improve iodine nutrition in those not consuming typical iodine rich foods (dairy, eggs and white fish) with a focus on alternative milks. Manufactures need to fortify alternative food products so that micronutrient profiles are equivalent to the foods in which they are mimicking. Public policy must be implemented by health bodies to improve fortification of alternative milks. Nutrition bodies and health professionals can act to disseminate information regarding iodine to improve iodine knowledge and awareness with a focus on young females. |
| Sectors | Agriculture, Food and Drink,Education,Healthcare,Other |
| URL | https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/12/6/1606 |
| Description | In 2014 the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition published a report on Iodine and Health (SACN, 2014). This report specifically identified that individuals following restrictive diets may have increased risk of deficiency. Despite this report being released over 5 years ago, few research studies have investigated iodine in vegan and vegetarian diets. With this work, we demonstrate that a significant population of individuals are at risk of iodine deficiency. Through our assessment we aim to identify suitable targets for fortification to improve iodine nutrition in those not consuming typical iodine rich foods (dairy, eggs and white fish). Working closely with public health bodies we wish to improve iodine awareness and knowledge in those following vegan and vegetarian diets providing societal benefits. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2020 |
| Sector | Communities and Social Services/Policy |
| Description | Systematic Review Citation |
| Geographic Reach | Europe |
| Policy Influence Type | Citation in clinical reviews |
| Title | Iodine Specific FFQ Accounting for Dietary Preferences |
| Description | we designed a FFQ that is specific for both iodine and those following restrictive diets, Given the increase in popularity of these diets worldwide it is important to consider a tool which can accurately record food consumption in vegan and vegetarian diets. |
| Type Of Material | Physiological assessment or outcome measure |
| Year Produced | 2019 |
| Provided To Others? | No |
| Impact | This tool has been used in two research studies aiming to assess iodine intake and status in the vegan population. |
| Title | Thiocyanate Assay |
| Description | We developed an assay to detect thiocyanate in human urine samples. We can use this technique to assess the consumption of goitagenic compounds in the diet which may prevent iodine absorption. |
| Type Of Material | Technology assay or reagent |
| Year Produced | 2019 |
| Provided To Others? | No |
| Impact | This technique has been used in further research studies in Biosciences and Nutritional Sciences at The University of Nottingham. Along with collaboration with the Malaysia campus. |
| Description | Food Focus Workshop |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Completion of a workshop series with >30 attendees at Bird and Blend Nottingham Store, encouraging knowledge acquisition and discussion regarding vegan diets. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| Description | Interview for Medichecks |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | I wrote two blogposts for Medichecks, a company providing expert private blood tests and health checks, discussing my research and the role of iodine in vegan diets. Engaging with the public and improving awareness of essential micronutrients. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
| URL | https://medichecks.com/blogs/news/part-3-a-scientists-take-on-veganuary |
| Description | Iodine Research Article for Nutrition Graduates |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Article featured on 'Nutrition Graduates' monthly news letter broadcasted to all subscribers. Others can access the article through the online blog. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
| Description | Press Release for Vegan January Study |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Release of preliminary data and publicization of current studies seeking participants. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
| URL | https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/news/study-launched-to-investigate-nutrient-intake-of-people-switching-... |