Changing from a mixed to self-selected vegetarian diet--influence on blood lipids

OBJECTIVE: To observe any changes in serum concentrations of lipids, when UK meat-eaters switch to a self selected vegetarian diet for 6 months. DESIGN: Observational study using capillary blood samples and 3-day estimated dietary diary. SETTING: Free-living subjects in the North-West of England. SUBJECTS: Twelve male and 31 female adult volunteers aged between 18 and 42 years. OUTCOME MEASURES: Serum lipids; nutrient intake and anthropometric measurements at baseline and 6 months after switching to a self-selected vegetarian diet. RESULTS: Total energy intake and amount of energy derived from saturated fatty acids decreased significantly after changing to a vegetarian diet (P