EPIC – Oxford Study.

The European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study is a Europe-wide research programme examining the relationship between diet, cancer and other chronic diseases. One of the study centres in the UK (EPIC – Oxford) has recruited a large number of vegetarians and vegans, thus forming the largest study of this dietary group.

Analyses of the current data reveal interesting differences in the intake of the various food groups amongst the vegans, lacto/ovo/pesco and semi-vegetarians. As with the Adventist Study, results indicate a profound influence on the body weight of subjects, highest in meat eaters and lowest in vegans. Specific disease rates are similarly related to diet, higher rates of coronary heart disease and cancer amongst meat eaters and lowest amongst vegans.