Die Gießener Rohkost-Studie

Author(s): Weirich, B., Koebnick, C., Leitzmann, C.

Abstract: The Raw Food Diet (RFD) is one of a number of alternative dietary regimens currently enjoying popularity. Though known under the above name, the movement consists of a wide variety of different RFD, most of which are vegetarian regimens. Common to all is the high proportion of raw food: extreme forms consist of a diet comprised solely of raw food. Differences exist wether animal products and cereals are included or not. The Giessen Raw Food Study aimed to examine the various R-FD forms in Germany and to determine the nutrition and health behaviour as well as the nutrition and health status of raw food eaters.Health habits were investigated by means of a detailed questionnaire. The nutrient intake was assessed from a 7day food record and blood samples were taken to analyse nutrient status. Results of the first questionnaire and from the nutrient intake calculations are presented here.The participants can be described as follows. The highest school leaving examinations and per capita income lie above the national average. Extreme RFD are more often practiced by younger participants and by males. Most are highly content with their diet. Health as a motivation for changing to the RFD is by far the most important reason given. About half the participants gave an own disease as the reason for changing to a RFD. The vegetarian stream within the RFD is the most commonly practised (by 60%), of these 25% follow a vegan RFD. For most participants the consumption of raw food lies above 90%.The diet consists primarily of fruit and vegetables. Cereals, milk products, meat and meat products are not eaten or only in very small amounts. As a consequence the intake of nutrients that are usually provided by foods of animal origin is insufficient. These include Vitamins B2, B12, niacin and D, zinc and calcium.

Keyword(s): Rohkost

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