Fasting plasma bile acid concentrations in Asian vegetarians, Caucasian vegetarians and Caucasian omnivores

Purpose - Differences in faecal bile acid excretion have been reported between vegetarians and meat-eaters. The purpose of this study is to compare fasting plasma bile acid concentrations in Asian vegetarians, white vegetarians and white meat-eaters. Design/methodology/approach - A human experimental study comparing fasting plasma bile acid concentrations in Asian vegetarians, white vegetarians and white meateaters. Three groups of premenopausal women have been recruited: Caucasian omnivores (n = 19), Caucasian Vegetarians (n = 16) and Asian vegetarians (n = 17). Fasting plasma bile acid concentrations were determined by gas-liquid chromatography. Findings - Although faecal bile acid concentrations were lower in the Caucasian vegetarians than in the omnivores, fasting plasma bile acid concentrations did not differ. Originality/ value - The present results indicate that fasting levels of plasma bile acids in premenopausal women do not necessarily reflect faecal bile acid concentrations.