KEYNOTE

The COPLANT (COhort on PLANT-based diets) study - future research on plant-based nutrition
Dr. med. Christiane Ambs, Department of Food Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment

Background: Despite the growing interest in plant-based diets and the increasing debate about their risks and benefits, recent studies investigating the associated health status or long-term health effects are scarce, old and not representative of today’s diet choices.

 Methods: The COPLANT “COhort on PLANT-based diets” study started April 2024.  Six study centers throughout Germany and one study center in Vienna are participating. 6,000 participants aged 18-69 years, sex, age, and diet balanced, following a vegan, vegetarian, pescetarian, or omnivorous diet (≥ 1 year) are expected to take part over 3 years. The NutriDiary app and a detailed food frequency questionnaire encompassing plant-based food items will be used to assess usual dietary intake. In addition to selected physical examinations, e. g. body composition, biological samples (blood, urine and feces) are also analyzed. Furthermore, sustainability of different dietary patterns was assessed with detailed questionnaires and quality interviews.  

Interim results: By the end of May 2025, more than 1300 participants (22% of the planned sample size) had been recruited. Preliminary data checks indicate good data quality.

Conclusions: The COPLANT study aims to compare the health benefits and potential short- and long-term risks of different diets, such as nutrient deficiencies, metabolic imbalances and sustainability aspects.