A study from Oregon State University in the United States examined whether sticking to vegetarian or vegan eating patterns influences life expectancy. The findings were shared in a medical journal published by BioMed Central and contribute to ongoing discussions about diet and longevity.
Heart disease, metabolic conditions and cancer remain the primary causes of early death for many people. A key factor linked to these health issues is nutrient intake. Over recent years vegetarian and vegan diets have grown in popularity, driven by perceived health benefits and environmental considerations. Some observers believe that vegetarian patterns can reduce cardiovascular risk and improve metabolic health by promoting healthier cholesterol levels and better insulin sensitivity.
Plant-based foods supply ample fiber, vitamins, minerals and a range of biologically active compounds, while typically containing less saturated fat than animal products. Researchers aimed to determine whether these nutritional advantages could translate into longer life expectancy for adults.
The study followed 117,673 adults in middle and older age, collecting data on health status and dietary habits. Participants were divided into four groups based on reported eating patterns: vegans, ovolacto vegetarians who consume dairy and eggs, pescatarians who include fish and seafood, and meat eaters.
Over an 18 year period, 39,763 participants died. Initial analyses suggested that pescatarians had lower overall mortality, but this difference faded after adjusting for factors such as smoking, alcohol use, ethnicity, education, body mass index, and other health conditions. In the end, the two vegetarian groups who avoided meat did not show a significant reduction in all-cause mortality compared with meat eaters.
Looking ahead, researchers intend to explore whether the duration of following a vegetarian pattern influences longevity or whether long-term adherence yields different health outcomes.
Early observations suggested that vegan and meat-based eating styles might be associated with distinct personality traits, though more evidence is needed to understand any real connections between diet and behavior.