Effect of vegetarian diet on Triglyceride (TG) level

Abstract

Background: Vegetarians consume higher amount of dietary fiber, polyunsaturated fatty acid and anti-oxidant in comparison to non-vegetarians. Vegetarians have lower incidence of heart disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and malignancy. Although, the relationship between vegetarian and triglyceride have been investigated extensively, but the studies have showed conflicting results. Objective: To observe the effect of vegetarian diet on Triglyceride level. Methods: This cross sectional comparative study was carried out in the department of Physiology in collaboration with the department of Biochemistry of Rajshahi Medical College, Rajshahi between July 2014 to June 2015. Fifty healthy adults male and female aged 18 to 45 years were studied. Twenty five healthy adult, vegetarians (lacto-vegetarians) enrolled in study group and twenty five healthy adult non-vegetarians were in control group. Serum Triglycerides were measured by colorometric method. Data were analyzed by unpaired student's t-test. Results: Serum Triglyceride level did not show any significant difference between vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Conclusion: This study suggested that lactovegetarian diets have no effect on Triglyceride level.