Micronutrient Adequacy of Vegetarian and Vegan Diets Among Alaskan Adults

Abstract

The estimated number of vegetarians and/or vegans in the United States grew by 600% from nearly 4 million in 2014 to 20 million in 2017. The goal of this study is to assess the adequacy of vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium, and iron intakes among adult Alaskan residents following vegetarian or vegan diets. A convenience sample of Alaskan adults following a vegetarian or vegan diet was recruited via social media and community posters to participate in this cross-sectional study. Respondents answered basic questions about their demographics and diet and were then directed to the National Institutes of Health’s Automated Self-Administered 24-hour Dietary Assessment Tool, a validated tool for estimating nutrient intakes using 24-hour dietary recall data. Respondents’ estimated vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium and iron intakes were compared to Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) and Upper Tolerable Limit (UTL) for these nutrients. Eighteen eligible people agreed to participate in the survey, and 11 of those completed the 24-hour dietary recall. The average age of the same was 41.12 ± 15.91 years, and 83.3% (n=15) identified as female. A majority (61.1%, n=11) identified their dietary pattern in the last year as vegan, and 88.8% reported taking supplements. Of the 11 participants who completed the 24-hour recall, 72.7% (n=8), 50.0% (n=5), 63.6% (n=7), and 36.4% (n=4) of respondents met the RDA for calcium, iron, vitamin B12, and vitamin D, respectively, with intake from foods, beverages, and supplements. However, 50.0% (n=5) of respondents exceeded the UTL for iron. Without intake from supplements, 63.6% (n=7), 80.0% (n=8), 45.0% (n=5), and zero respondents met the RDA for calcium, iron, vitamin B12, and vitamin D, respectively. Supplement use among Alaskan adults following vegetarian and vegan diets is common; however, care and planning should be taken to avoid potentially toxic doses. Future research should further explore nutrient adequacy of vegetarian and vegan diets in Alaska year-round.