Plant-based dietary intake moderates adverse childhood experiences association with early mortality in an older Adventist cohort

Abstract

Background: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) consistently predict poor mental and physical health as well as early all-cause mortality. Much work examines health harming behaviors that may be used to cope with ACEs associated stress responses and dysregulation. Limited research has been conducted assessing plant-based dietary intake on the ACEs and mortality relationship. We investigate moderators of the ACEs and mortality association including plant-based dietary intake. Objective: The purpose of this study is to examine if the association between ACEs and early mortality is potentially moderated by plant-based dietary intake. Participants: An observational, prospective cohort study that included 9301 Seventh-day Adventists were assessed from 2006 to 2017 in the Biopsychosocial Religion and Health Study (BRHS). Methods: We examined the potential impact of plant-based intake frequency on the ACEs and all-cause mortality relationship, while adjusting for potential confounders (e.g., demographics, health risks, mental and physical health) in a cox regression survival analysis. Results: ACEs were adversely associated with survival time (HR = 2.76, 95% CI: 1.15–6.64). Plant-based intake was associated with a reduction in the association of 4+ ACEs with early mortality (HR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.59–0.90) above and beyond demographics, animal-based intake, physical health, mental health, BMI, exercise, and worship. We estimate that after 4+ ACEs, those eating high versus low plant-based dietary intake may live 5.4 years longer. Conclusion: Plant-based dietary intake may potentially moderate the ACEs and early mortality relationship; however, observational studies cannot determine causality.