Pilot Study on the Effects of a Plant-Strong Diet on Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Veterans (Part 1)

OBJECTIVES: A short-term intervention designed to test the feasibility of Veterans to adopt a whole-food, plant-based (WFPB) diet has not been tested. The specific aims of this study were to (1) determine the feasibility of Veterans adopting a WFPB diet within four weeks, following a plant-strong protocol, (2) determine the effectiveness on participant's cardiovascular risk factors and dietary patterns and (3) compare the results to Veterans following the American Heart Association or Diabetic Diets. METHODS: Prospective, nonrandomized, pilot study of overweight or obese hyperlipidemic Veterans naive to lipid lowering drugs. The first 4 participants were assigned the control group, the next 6 were assigned the intervention. Participants in the control group who met inclusion/exclusion criteria after completion of control intervention could cross-over into the intervention group. The intervention was a four-week program which included individual education on a WFBP diet, (including menu planning and making grocery lists), a grocery store tour, cooking skills, substitutions and food preparation, and challenges dining out. Participants in the control arm received the standard of care. Anthropometrics, biochemical measures, and dietary intake patterns were obtained at baseline and five weeks. RESULTS: Eight male Veterans (mean 57 years old) completed the study, (n = 4 control, n = 6 intervention, 2 crossed over). Ability to adopt a WFBP diet was 83%. Data from diet adopters were compared to the control. Both groups had a significant decrease in LDL from baseline (12% control and 19% in intervention, P = 0.04 each). Veterans in the intervention group had a significant decrease in weight (3%, P = 0.04) and reported: gassiness, better digestion, more energy and better sleep. CONCLUSIONS: Veterans were able to adopt a WFBP diet and experienced a favorable change in LDL cholesterol. Resources needed to conduct the intervention preclude widespread implementation. Further research is needed to determine if less resource intensive programs are feasible and effective for long-term sustainability and determine which Veterans may benefit most. FUNDING SOURCES: Carl T Hayden Medical Research Foundation.