Future Directions
Based on the findings from this topical review, researchers may consider the following suggestions for future research.
Diet Quality: More randomized controlled trials should be conducted to investigate the effects of plant-based diet quality on CVD risk and outcomes.
Diet Quantity: More studies are needed to determine if there is a minimally required dose of plant-based nutrition to have a clinically meaningful effect on CVD risk and outcomes.
Effects of Medication: Future studies should evaluate plant-based nutrition independent of medication use and any food/medication interactions that may affect CVD risk and outcomes.
Long-Term Adherence: Studies lasting >6 months should be conducted to investigate the effects of long-term adherence on CVD risk and outcomes.
Diverse Populations: Racial, ethnic, age, and gender differences in CVD risk and outcomes should be explored in non-western populations.
Dose-Response Relationships: Studies investigating dose-dependent relationships between types of plant-based diets (i.e., vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian etc.) and CVD risk and outcomes are needed.