A Comparison of Plasma Lipid Levels between Vegetarians and Non Vegetarians

채식인과 비채식인간의 혈장지질 수준에 관한 연구

Plasma levels of lipids were observed in vegetarians and non-vegetarians in order compare the values between the two groups with different dietary habits, and among different age groups. All 162 vegetarians and 95 non-vegetarians were selected for this study. In detail, male vegetarians subjects were devided into three groups according to their ages, 20's, 30's and 40's. And three control groups were also selected at matching basis. Two groups each were selected for female subjects in their 20's and 40's. All ten groups were adopted and the lipids levels were compared appropriately. Dietary habits of vegetarians were shown to be fairly strict. They consumed almost no animal foods and depended largely upon plant foods with emphasis on unrefined cereals and legumes. on the other hand, non-vegetarians consumed meats, fish egg and milk frequently. Most of plasma lipid levels measured were found to be lower in vegetarians and tended to be higher for the higher age groups of both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Although the lipids levels of non-vegetarians were higher than the ones for vegetarians, the levels were within optimal range, and it can be concluded in this study that the plasma lipid levels of non-vegetarians under Korean dietary pattern are quite acceptable.