Abstract Introduction: vegan diets exclude the consumption of animal-derived products, and health advantages have been reported when followed. However, heterogeneous eating habits, food availability, and sociocultural characteristics among regions could lead to different physiological results. Case reports: twelve patients following a strict vegan diet for an uninterrupted period of ≥ 3 years were subjected to clinical assessment. Patients significantly exceeded the suggested intake for sugar, presented six mineral deficiencies, and exhibited three vitamins below the recommended consumption. We further identified hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, subnormal serum vitamin B12 concentrations, as well as macrocytosis and microcytic anemia in several participants. Discussion: this Mexican vegan diet is strongly influenced by endemic and cultural adaptations that could limit the benefits reported in other populations. Professional guidance is required to avoid specific deficiencies with potential repercussions. We urge country-specific vegan guidelines considering local eating habits, food availability, and sociocultural perspectives around food.

Resumen Introducción: la dieta vegana excluye el consumo de productos de origen animal y se ha vinculado con una disminución del riesgo de morbimortalidad. Sin embargo, los distintos hábitos alimentarios entre países podrían condicionar los beneficios reportados para las dietas basadas en vegetales. Casos clínicos: doce pacientes siguiendo una estricta dieta vegana por ≥ 3 años se sometieron a una evaluación clínica. Exhibieron una ingestión de azúcar que supera el consumo sugerido, presentaron tres deficiencias vitamínicas y seis de minerales. Se identificó la presencia de hiperglucemia, hipertrigliceridemia, concentraciones séricas subnormales de vitamina B12, macrocitosis y anemia microcítica en varios participantes. Discusión: la dieta vegana de este grupo resultó fuertemente influenciada por adaptaciones culturales que podrían limitar los beneficios reportados en otras poblaciones. Se requiere orientación profesional para evitar desequilibrios nutricionales. Enfatizamos la necesidad del desarrollo de guías alimentarias y de práctica clínica que consideren los hábitos alimentarios locales, la disponibilidad de alimentos en la región y las perspectivas socioculturales en torno a la dieta vegana.

ABSTRACT A validated method for the identification and authentication of tingenone and pristimerin was developed using HPLC. The chromatographic profile analysis was combined with simultaneous quantification in Crossopetalum rhacoma Crantz, Cassine xylocarpa Vent, Semialarium mexicanum (Miers) Mennega (known as cancerina), and Maytenus phyllanthoides Benth, through microwave-assisted extraction. The HPLC profiles of the four analyzed species showed three similar signals, which corresponded to the main chemotaxonomic markers of the Celastraceae family: quinonemethide triterpenes. HPLC profile analysis was used as a tool to identify the relationship with the quinonemethide triterpenes, for establishing the taxonomic position of some species whose placement in, or within, the Celastraceae family is uncertain.