Vegetarian diet linked to lower risk of dementia, heart disease, and more in massive study

NCT ID NCT03470584

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This completed study followed over 18,000 Taiwanese Buddhists to see if a vegetarian diet is linked to a lower risk of chronic diseases like dementia, depression, heart disease, stroke, gout, cataracts, gallstones, and urinary tract infections. Researchers compared health records of vegetarians and non-vegetarians over time. The goal is to understand how diet may influence long-term health.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
Vegetarian diet
What this could lead to
If it shows clear links, this could help people understand how a vegetarian diet might lower the risk of several chronic diseases.
What could go wrong
This is an observational study, not a controlled trial, so it can only show associations, not cause and effect. Other lifestyle factors may influence the results.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital

    Chiayi City, Taiwan

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.