J Am Coll Nutr. 1990 Dec; 9(6): 600-9.

Long-term effects of a vegetarian diet on the nutritional status of elderly people (Dutch Nutrition Surveillance System).

LÃ¶wik MR, Schrijver J, Odink J, van den Berg H, Wedel M.

Department of Human Nutrition, TNO-CIVO Toxicology and Nutrition Institute, Zeist, The Netherlands.

The health and nutritional status (anthropometry, and blood and urine biochemistry) of 44 Dutch apparently healthy vegetarians, aged 65-97 years, refraining from meat, fish, and poultry consumption, was assessed for insight into long-term consequences of ovo-lacto- or lacto-vegetarianism. The results indicate that in comparison to omnivorous elderly the vegetarian elderly (especially men) have aged successfully with respect to cardiovascular risk factors. In contrast, vegetarian elderly are at a higher risk for a marginal iron, zinc, and vitamin B12 status. Although several vegetarian elderly showed low levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in plasma and many had low values of 24-hr urine volume (per kg body weight), these values are not likely the result of a vegetarian diet per se. It is concluded that, although some nutrition-related risks are prevalent among vegetarian elderly, these risks can probably be prevented by lifestyle changes.