Inferred vegans in studies not designed to assess vegan status may be largely artifacts

Area of Science:

• Dietary Science
• Nutritional Epidemiology
• Sociology of Food

Background:

• Recent studies from China and India reported unexpectedly high vegan population prevalences (1-9%).
• These studies often used limited dietary assessment methods, such as short food frequency questionnaires or brief recall periods (e.g., 1 month).
• A significant portion of the inferred vegan populations in these studies were socioeconomically marginalized or socially excluded.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically evaluate the methodologies used in recent studies reporting high vegan prevalences.
• To propose that reported high vegan prevalences may be artifacts of underassessment and misclassification.
• To question the validity of inferred vegan status based on short-term or incomplete dietary data.

Main Methods:

• This is a perspective piece, not an empirical study.
• It involves critical analysis of existing research methodologies in vegan dietary assessment.
• Focuses on the limitations of short food frequency modules and short-term dietary recall.

Main Results:

• Reported high vegan prevalences in recent studies are likely inflated due to methodological limitations.
• Underassessment of non-vegan food intake and misclassification are proposed as primary drivers of these high prevalences.
• The socioeconomic status of inferred vegans suggests potential confounding factors or misinterpretation of dietary data.

Conclusions:

• The methodologies employed in some recent studies may not accurately capture true vegan dietary adherence.
• Researchers should exercise caution when interpreting high vegan prevalences derived from limited dietary assessment tools.
• Further research with robust dietary assessment methods is needed to accurately determine veganism prevalence.