The Role of Plant-Forward Eating in Modulating the Association of Micronutrients with Blood Pressure and Body Composition

Micronutrient status is strongly influenced by dietary patterns; however, the extent to which plant-forward dietary patterns versus omnivorous diets shape micronutrient profiles and their associations with blood pressure, body composition, and cardiovascular health remains unclear. This cross-sectional study aimed to comprehensively assess associations between blood micronutrient profiles, blood pressure, and body composition in adults, with analyses stratified by dietary patterns to compare omnivorous and plant-forward dieters. Secondary cross-sectional analyses were conducted using data from an exploratory study of 488 Austrian adults (median age: 38 y [IQR 21]; 48% female, 52% male). Participants were classified as omnivores (n = 260) or plant-forward dieters (including 194 flexitarians, 25 vegetarians, and 9 vegans; n = 228). Blood pressure and anthropometric measurements were obtained alongside fasting venous blood sample analysis to quantify a comprehensive panel of micronutrient, hematological, lipid, and inflammatory biomarkers. Micronutrient concentrations were standardized (scaled −1 to +1, truncated ±3) and evaluated for deficiency or excess according to sex-specific reference ranges. Linear regression was used to analyze the association of micronutrients with BMI, including age and sex as covariates. Vitamin D showed the highest micronutrient deficiency, observed in 96% of omnivores and 93% of plant-forward dieters. Across both dietary subgroups, multiple micronutrients, together with age and sex, were significant correlates of body weight, body mass index, and blood pressure (p < 0.05). Significant differences between omnivores and plant-forward dieters were observed for blood pressure, lipid, hematological, and inflammatory markers, with participants adhering to plant-forward dietary habits exhibiting lower blood pressure and more favorable lipid profiles (p < 0.05). The findings highlight the potential of diet-type-specific strategies for personalized cardiometabolic risk management.