Men wanted to take part in study: Plant-based nutrition in the focus of science Men wanted to take part in study: Plant-based nutrition in the focus of science
COPLANT stands for COhort on PLANT-based diets - a cooperative project between the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, the Max Rubner Institute (MRIshort forMax Rubner Institute), the Research Institute for Plant-based Nutrition (IFPE) and the Universities of Jena, Bonn, Heidelberg, Regensburg and Vienna. The project is supported by the Federal Ministry of Nutrition and Agriculture (BMELshort forGerman Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture). The Thünen Institute is involved in the topic of sustainability. Interest in vegan and vegetarian nutrition is growing - especially among younger people. However, so far there is hardly any scientifically reliable data on the effects of today's plant-based diets on the body. The COPLANT study aims to close data gaps and provide scientifically based dietary recommendations for a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. Vegan (no animal products), vegetarian (no meat and fish, but dairy produce and eggs), pescetarian (no meat, but fish) and omnivorous (mixed diet including all possible animal products) diets are being investigated.
What is being analysed?
Among other things, the COPLANT study is investigating how the individual diets affect fat content, muscle mass and bone health. Does the intake of undesirable substances in plant-based diets differ from that of a mixed diet? Which vitamins and minerals are sufficiently absorbed and which may be deficient? What happens to the metabolism when animal-based foods are completely avoided? The researchers also want to find out what ecological, social and economic effects the diets have and how sustainable they are overall.
Data collection via app
The nutrition of all participants is recorded in detail on different days using an app specially customised for the study. Unlike in previous studies, the consumption of novel vegan and vegetarian foods can also be comprehensively determined. Biomarkers in blood and urine will be analysed to assess the nutrient supply. It will also show whether the respective diet is associated with a different intake of undesirable substances, such as heavy metals or mould toxins. The submission of a stool sample makes it possible to identify correlations between the different diets and the composition of microorganisms in the intestine.
Take part!
Every participant is important for the success of the study. The more people who take part, the more meaningful the results will be. Anyone who takes part is therefore making an important contribution to research in the field of plant-based nutrition. In addition, you can obtain information about your own state of health, for example by measuring hand grip strength, which provides information about muscle strength and physical performance. Analyses of muscle and fat levels are supplemented by an ultrasound examination of the heel, which provides information on bone health. The study team also carries out a complete blood count and measures blood sugar and blood lipids. Pescetarians in particular are currently being sought. Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and children will also soon be able to take part in the study. All information on participation can be found at External Link:www.coplant-studie.de.
Further information on the COPLANT study
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 Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMELshort forGerman Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture) in Germany. The BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment advises the Federal Government and the States (‘Laender’) on questions of food, chemicals and product safety. The BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment conducts independent research on topics that are closely linked to its assessment tasks.