ASU Electronic Theses and Dissertations
This collection includes most of the ASU Theses and Dissertations from 2011 to present. ASU Theses and Dissertations are available in downloadable PDF format; however, a small percentage of items are under embargo. Information about the dissertations/theses includes degree information, committee members, an abstract, supporting data or media.
In addition to the electronic theses found in the ASU Digital Repository, ASU Theses and Dissertations can be found in the ASU Library Catalog.
Dissertations and Theses granted by Arizona State University are archived and made available through a joint effort of the ASU Graduate College and the ASU Libraries. For more information or questions about this collection contact or visit the Digital Repository ETD Library Guide or contact the ASU Graduate College at gradformat@asu.edu.
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- Creators: Johnston, Carol
Description
Plant-based eaters are known to reap nutritional benefits due to their dietchoice, but it is important to evaluate dietary differences that may put them at a disadvantage compared to omnivores. Stark differences exist in daily intakes of protein between vegans and omnivores, which may lead to several risks including decreased strength and bone density. The purpose of this study was to analyze the differences in protein intake, lean mass, strength, and bone density in vegans versus omnivores in order to support the argument for an increased recommended daily allowance (RDA) for protein for plant-based eaters. Participants in this study were assigned to groups based on omnivorous (n = 25) or vegan (n = 19) dietary pattern. Nineteen matched pairs were created based on age and BMI. Data was collected at a single lab visit and included health history and physical activity readiness questionnaires, 24-hr food recall, and anthropometric measures. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured using DEXA and strength was assessed using hand and Biodex dynamometers. Statistical analyses were conducted using independent samples t-tests and Pearson’s correlation tests to evaluate differences in body composition, bone density, strength, and dietary intake between the two groups with significance set at p.05. Differences were seen in daily calorie (p=.007), protein (p<.001), fat (p<.001), and fiber (p=.009) intake. Lean mass (p=.282) and bone density (p=.651) were not different between groups, but lower body strength was different (p=.008). There was a correlation between lower body strength and protein intake (p<.001), and lean mass was correlated with lower body strength (p<.001), grip strength (p<.001), and bone density (p<.001), but not
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LBM (p=0.158). Correlations were also observed between BMD and lower body strength (p=.004). These data suggest that there is a significant difference between protein intake in vegans versus omnivores, which appears to have a positive association with strength. BMD also has a positive association with strength as well as lean mass. Cumulatively, the results suggest that it may be beneficial for vegans to increase daily protein intake.
ContributorsNadalet, Camila R (Author) / Johnston, Carol (Thesis advisor) / Shepard, Christina (Committee member) / Hooshmand, Shirin (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2023
Description
Background: Vegan and vegetarian diets have gained in popularity in recent years. Stated reasons for this include some possible health benefits and concerns of animal welfare. Though considered to be nutritionally adequate, questions remain over whether current protein recommendations of 0.8 g/kg/d are sufficient to maintain body processes and growth. Protein is unique in that it is the only macronutrient that contains nitrogen. Its status can be determined through nitrogen balance analysis of the urine if protein content of the diet is known. Nitrogen balance is considered the gold standard for determining protein intake requirements. A negative balance indicates a catabolic state, whereas a positive nitrogen balance is seen during anabolism. In healthy people, nitrogen equilibrium is desired under normal circumstances. This equilibrium reflects the net synthesis and breakdown of proteins. While nitrogen balance techniques have been used for decades, currently, there are no known studies measuring nitrogen balance and protein intake in strict vegans. Methods: Twenty vegan, inactive, male participants were recruited and received a 5-day eucaloric diet with a known protein content held constant at 0.8 g/kg/d. On day five, 24-hour urine was collected by participants and aliquoted for future analysis. Nitrogen content of the urine was determined through photometric assay and compared to the known nitrogen content of the diet to calculate nitrogen balance status.
Results: Mean absolute nitrogen balance (-1.38 ± 1.22 g/d, effect size = -1.13) was significantly lower than zero (equilibrium) (p < .001). Mean relative nitrogen balance (-18.60 ± 16.96 mg/kg/d, effect size = -1.10) was significantly lower than zero (p < .001). There were no correlations seen between nitrogen balance and age, years as vegan, or fat- free mass.
Conclusion: Consuming 0.8 g/kg/d of protein is insufficient to produce nitrogen balance in long-term vegans.
ContributorsBartholomae, Eric (Author) / Johnston, Carol (Thesis advisor) / Sweazea, Karen (Committee member) / Wharton, Christopher (Committee member) / Lee, Chong (Committee member) / Kressler, Jochen (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2022