The shift towards plant-based diets has gained significant momentum in recent years, driven by a growing awareness of health, environmental sustainability, and ethical considerations. This Collection seeks to explore the latest research findings on plant-based nutrition, examining its implications for human health and the planet. As more individuals adopt vegetarian (excluding all animal flesh such as meat, fish, and other aquatic animals and including lacto-ovo-, ovo-, and lacto-vegetarian diets) and vegan (excluding foods of animal origin such as meat, fish, other aquatic animals, eggs, dairy products, and honey) lifestyles, understanding the nutritional adequacy, potential health benefits, and barriers to these diets becomes increasingly relevant for researchers and public health professionals alike.

Research in this field has illuminated the potential advantages of plant-based diets, including reduced risks of chronic diseases, improved dietary quality, and a lower carbon footprint. Advances in nutritional epidemiology, including controlled dietary interventions, have provided insights into the relationship between plant-based nutrition and health outcomes, as well as the role of alternative proteins (e.g., legume-based products, meat alternatives, mycoprotein) in meeting dietary needs. As public interest in sustainable diets continues to rise, the importance of disseminating sound scientific evidence to guide consumers, healthcare providers, and policymakers is paramount.

Continued research in plant-based nutrition could pave the way for innovative dietary guidelines and interventions that promote not only individual health but also environmental sustainability. As we deepen our understanding of the impacts of plant-based diets on human health and the climate, future studies may reveal new strategies for integrating these diets into mainstream eating habits, potentially revolutionizing dietary recommendations worldwide.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Health benefits of plant-based nutrition including vegan, lacto-vegetarian, ovo-vegetarian, lacto-ovo-vegetarian, or flexitarian diets (non-vegetarian diets that include notably lower amounts of animal products than typical omnivorous diets)
• Sustainable plant-based diets and climate impact
• Controlled dietary interventions for plant-based eating
• Nutritional epidemiology of vegan diets and ethical veganism
• Alternative proteins in plant-based diets
• The impact of food-based dietary quality on the healthiness of vegan diets
• Transformative strategies to shift mainstream diets towards a notable reduction of animal-source food intake, while ensuring adequate nutrient intake

This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.

All manuscripts submitted to this journal, including those submitted to collections and special issues, are assessed in line with our editorial policies and the journal’s peer review process. Reviewers and editors are required to declare competing interests and can be excluded from the peer review process if a competing interest exists.

BMC Nutrition is calling for submissions to our Collection that explores the nutritional interventions aimed at preventing non-communicable diseases in the aging population. We welcome research that examines dietary patterns, nutrient deficiencies, and innovative strategies to enhance health outcomes in older adults, ultimately contributing to the global understanding of nutrition's role in promoting longevity and well-being.

The aging population is increasingly at risk for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, neurological disorders, and certain cancers. These conditions not only diminish quality of life but also impose a substantial burden on healthcare systems globally. Nutritional interventions have emerged as a promising strategy to mitigate these risks, focusing on the role of diet in managing and preventing chronic diseases. By examining how specific nutrients and dietary patterns can influence health outcomes in older adults, we can foster a deeper understanding of effective prevention strategies tailored to this demographic.

Advancements in nutritional science have highlighted the critical link between diet and health outcomes, particularly in the context of aging. Recent studies suggest that targeted nutritional interventions can significantly reduce the incidence and progression of NCDs among older individuals. Innovations in food for special medical purposes and a growing awareness of nutrient deficiencies have opened new avenues for research. By emphasizing the importance of nutrition in aging populations, we aim to equip healthcare providers and policymakers with the knowledge needed to implement effective preventive strategies.

Ongoing research in this field holds the potential to revolutionize how we approach dietary recommendations for aging populations. As we gain insights into the interplay between nutrition and chronic disease prevention, future advancements may lead to more personalized dietary interventions, improved guidelines for nutrient intake, and enhanced public health initiatives aimed at promoting longevity and well-being among older adults.

Topics of interest include but are not limited to:

- Nutrition interventions for diabetes prevention

- Dietary patterns and cardiovascular health in aging

- Nutritional strategies for neurological disease prevention

- The role of nutrition in cancer prevention among older adults

- Addressing nutrient deficiencies in aging populations

All manuscripts submitted to this journal, including those submitted to collections and special issues, are assessed in line with our editorial policies and the journal’s peer review process. Reviewers and editors are required to declare competing interests and can be excluded from the peer review process if a competing interest exists.

This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 3: Good Health & Well-Being