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Plant-based meat alternatives intake and its association with health status among vegetarians of the UK Biobank volunteer population
The consumption of plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs) among the vegetarian population is on the rise. This study examined the relationship between PBMA intake and health markers using data from the UK Biobank cohort. Participants were categorized into two groups: vegetarian PBMA consumers and nonconsumers. Nonparametric statistical tests were employed to assess differences in participant characteristics, dietary intake, and 30 blood biochemistry measures, following an evaluation of data distributions. Additionally, metabolomics (168 metabolites) and proteomics (2923 proteins) data were analyzed to identify significant differences between the two groups. Relative risks (RRs) for 45 chronic diseases and mental health conditions were calculated using Poisson regression, with sensitivity analyses accounting for sociodemographic factors and the proportion of energy derived from ultra-processed food (UPF) intake. Findings indicated no substantial differences in sodium, free sugar, total sugar, or saturated fatty acid intake between PBMA consumers and nonconsumers. However, PBMA consumers demonstrated higher blood pressure (130/79 mmHg vs. 129/78 mmHg) and elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels compared to nonconsumers. Analysis of metabolite and protein abundance revealed no notable differences. Pathway enrichment analysis suggested that PBMAs may affect immune responses through specific cell signaling pathways. Moreover, PBMA consumers exhibited a 42% increased risk of depression and a 40% reduction in the risk of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) (p = 0.02) when compared to nonconsumers. In conclusion, while the study found no definitive health risks or benefits associated with PBMA consumption in vegetarians, the observed higher risk of depression, elevated CRP levels, and reduced apolipoprotein A levels among PBMA consumers indicate potential inflammatory concerns that require further investigation. [NPID: Plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs), depression, inflammation, irritable bowel syndrome, C-reactive protein, signaling pathways)
Year: 2025
