Comparative Analysis of Fatty Acid Profiles in Erythrocyte Membranes in Vegetarians Compared to Omnivores
Marta Despotović,
Jasmina Debeljak Martačić,
Ivana Šarac,
Gordana Petrović Oggiano,
Slavica Ranković,
Petar Jovanović,
Marija Takić
Affiliations
Marta Despotović
Group for Nutrition and Metabolism, Center of Excellence in Nutrition and Metabolism Research, Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Jasmina Debeljak Martačić
Group for Nutrition and Metabolism, Center of Excellence in Nutrition and Metabolism Research, Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Ivana Šarac
Group for Nutrition and Metabolism, Center of Excellence in Nutrition and Metabolism Research, Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Gordana Petrović Oggiano
Group for Nutrition and Metabolism, Center of Excellence in Nutrition and Metabolism Research, Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Slavica Ranković
Group for Nutrition and Metabolism, Center of Excellence in Nutrition and Metabolism Research, Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Petar Jovanović
Group for Nutrition and Metabolism, Center of Excellence in Nutrition and Metabolism Research, Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Marija Takić
Group for Nutrition and Metabolism, Center of Excellence in Nutrition and Metabolism Research, Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Background: The fatty acid profiles in cellular membranes can be influenced by many endogenic and external factors, including diet. They are also associated with numerous metabolic and health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases and inflammation. Objective: This study provides a comparative analysis of the fatty acid profiles in subjects on vegetarian and omnivorous diets. Methods: The study enrolled 152 apparently healthy subjects, comprising 78 omnivores and 74 individuals who had followed a vegetarian diet for a minimum of 2 years, including 61 vegans and 13 lacto-ovo vegetarians. The subjects in the omnivore and vegetarian groups were matched by gender, age, and body mass index (BMI). The composition of the fatty acids in their erythrocyte membranes was determined using gas–liquid chromatography and presented as a percentage of total fatty acids. Results: The study revealed statistically significant differences in the fatty acid profiles: vegetarians had higher levels of oleic acid (OA, 18:1 n-9) (p p p p p p p p p p p p p < 0.005). Most of the differences presented in both vegans and vegetarians, except for GLA and D6D, where differences were observed only in vegans compared to omnivores. Discussion: This study highlights the distinct fatty acid profiles associated with vegan, lacto-ovo vegetarian, and omnivorous diets, suggesting their differential impact on inflammation, disease protection, and overall health. Understanding the implications of the fatty acid profiles within these dietary patterns can be used for personalized nutritional recommendations and supplementation for individuals adhering to specific dietary lifestyles.
