Fasting plasma bile acid concentrations in Asian vegetarians, Caucasian vegetarians and Caucasian omnivores

Abstract

Purpose

Differences in faecal bile acid excretion have been reported between vegetarians and meat‐eaters. The purpose of this study is to compare fasting plasma bile acid concentrations in Asian vegetarians, white vegetarians and white meat‐eaters.

Design/methodology/approach

A human experimental study comparing fasting plasma bile acid concentrations in Asian vegetarians, white vegetarians and white meateaters. Three groups of premenopausal women have been recruited: Caucasian omnivores (n  =  19), Caucasian Vegetarians (n  =  16) and Asian vegetarians (n  =  17). Fasting plasma bile acid concentrations were determined by gas‐liquid chromatography.

Findings

Although faecal bile acid concentrations were lower in the Caucasian vegetarians than in the omnivores, fasting plasma bile acid concentrations did not differ.

Originality/value

The present results indicate that fasting levels of plasma bile acids in premenopausal women do not necessarily reflect faecal bile acid concentrations.

Citation

Costarelli, V., Sanders, T. and Reddy, S. (2006), "Fasting plasma bile acid concentrations in Asian vegetarians, Caucasian vegetarians and Caucasian omnivores", Nutrition & Food Science, Vol. 36 No. 3, pp. 153-158. https://doi.org/10.1108/00346650610664887