COPLANT study welcomes its 3,000th participant in Heidelberg Next milestone for Germany’s largest study on plant-based nutrition
What it's about:
The COPLANT study (COhort on PLANT-based nutrition) has reached another important milestone: 3,000 people are now taking part in what is currently the largest study on plant-based nutrition in the German-speaking world – and the number is rising. The study is being conducted by the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment), the Max Rubner Institute (MRIshort forMax Rubner Institute), and the universities of Jena, Bonn, Heidelberg, Regensburg and Vienna. “The high number of participants demonstrates the great interest in scientifically sound findings on plant-based nutrition,” says Professor Ina Danquah, study director at the COPLANT Study Centre at the Heidelberg Institute for Global Health (HIGH) within the Faculty of Medicine at Heidelberg University. “Together with the participants, we lay the foundation for evidence-based nutritional recommendations that take health, the environment, and society equally into account.” Professor Cornelia Weikert, head of the study centre in Berlin at the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, also emphasises: “The COPLANT study is a key component in closing existing data gaps. Only with such a broad-based impact can we make reliable statements about the advantages and disadvantages of different dietary patterns.”
The aim of the study is to gain new insights into the effects of vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian (vegetarian with fish) and omnivorous (mixed animal and plant-based) diets. The results are intended to help develop scientifically sound recommendations for a healthy and sustainable diet.
What is being investigated?
Among other things, the COPLANT study is investigating how the different diets affect body fat percentage, muscle mass and bone health. Does the intake of undesirable substances differ between plant-based diets and a mixed diet? Which vitamins and minerals are taken up in sufficient quantities and which may be lacking? What happens to the metabolism when animal food products are completely avoided or when more dairy and meat substitutes are incorporated? Furthermore, the researchers aim to identify the environmental, social and economic impacts associated with diets. In Heidelberg, the researchers are particularly interested in how people from different cultural backgrounds implement plant-based nutrition.
Data collection via app
All participants will document their nutrition using an app specially adapted for the study. Unlike in previous studies, this also allows for the comprehensive tracking of consumption of novel vegan and vegetarian foods. To assess nutrient intake, biomarkers in blood and urine are analysed. The study also aims to determine whether the respective dietary patterns are associated with differing intakes of undesirable substances such as heavy metals or mycotoxins.
The COPLANT study is still seeking interested participants aged between 18 and 69. Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and families with children can also take part, thereby making an important contribution to research in the field of plant-based nutrition. They will also receive information about their own health status. Further information on taking part in the study is available atExternal Link: https://www.coplant-studie.de/studienteilnahme/.
Contact for enquiries:
Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin
Telephone: +49(0)30/184 12-550 11
Email:External Link: coplant@bfr.bund.de
Study Centre at the Heidelberg Institute for Global Health (HIGH)
University of Heidelberg and Heidelberg University Hospital
Telephone: +49(0)228 731970
Email:External Link: info-coplant@uni-heidelberg.de
Further information on the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment website regarding the Coplant study
- Questions and answers about the COPLANT study Go to FAQ
- BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment press releases, COPLANT study: Pregnant and breastfeeding women sought to take part in Berlin and Jena Go to press release
- The BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment press releases, COPLANT study module kids/family – participants sought Go to press release
- BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment press releases, Men sought for study participation: Plant-based nutrition in the scientific spotlight Go to press release
About the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment
The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment) is a scientifically independent institution within the portfolio of the German Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity (BMLEH). It protects people's health preventively in the fields of public health and veterinary public health. The BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment provides advice to the Federal Government as well as the Federal States (‘Laender’) on questions related to food, feed, chemical and product safety. The BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment conducts its own research on topics closely related to its assessment tasks.