Selenium, Zinc, and Copper Status of Vegetarians and Vegans in Comparison to Omnivores in the Nutritional Evaluation (NuEva) Study

Plant-based diets usually contain more nutrient-dense foods such as vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and fruits than a standard Western diet. Yet, the amount especially bioavailability of several nutrients, trace elements, is supposed to be lower in comparison with consumption animal-derived foods. Based on this, Nutritional Evaluation (NuEva) study (172 participants) was initiated compare element status omnivores, flexitarians, vegetarians, vegans. Serum selenium, zinc, copper concentrations biomarkers were evaluated at baseline during 12-month intervention energy- nutrient-optimized menu plans. The implementation optimized plans did not substantially influence elements. At baseline, serum selenium vegetarians vegans compared omnivores flexitarians. zinc intake significantly whereas Phytate Diet Score increased. Accordingly, total reduced which was, however, only significant women further supported by analysis free zinc. Regarding status, no differences observed for copper. Overall, we identified critical nutrients when maintaining vegan