Characteristics of Americans Choosing Vegetarian and Vegan Diets for Health Reasons.

OBJECTIVE: Examine the prevalence, patterns, and associated factors of using a vegetarian or vegan diet for health reasons in the US general population.

DESIGN: Cross-sectional data from the 2012 National Health Interview Survey.

PARTICIPANTS: Nationally representative sample (N = 34,525).

VARIABLES MEASURED: Prevalence of ever use and 12-month use of vegetarian or vegan diet for health reasons, patterns of use, and sociodemographic and health-related factor associated with use.

ANALYSIS: Multiple logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS: Prevalence of ever use and 12-month use was 4.0% (n = 1,367) and 1.9% (n = 648), respectively. Health vegetarians and vegans were more likely aged 30-65 years, female, not Hispanic, from the Western US region, at least high school educated, chronically ill, and physically active. They were less likely to be in a relationship, overweight or obese, or smoking, or to have public or private health insurance. Among health vegetarians and vegans, 6.3% consulted with a practitioner for special diets; 26.1% followed the diet because of a specific health problem, mainly high cholesterol, overweight, hypertension, and diabetes; and 59.4% disclosed the diet to their health care provider.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Less than 2% of participants reported using a vegetarian or vegan diet for health reasons within the past 12 months. Despite potential benefits of plant-based nutrition, more research is warranted on the actual use and its effects and safety.