Exploring Plant-Based Nutrition for Patients with Substance Use Disorders: A Scoping Review of Dietary Intake and Potential Applications

Background: Substance use disorders (SUDs) represent a significant global public health challenge, with affected individuals often exhibiting poor dietary habits, nutritional deficiencies, and compromised mental and physical health. This scoping review evaluates existing literature on dietary intake in individuals with SUDs, focusing on the potential benefits of plant-based dietary interventions for improving nutritional status and supporting recovery. Methods: A scoping review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Four databases were searched using PICO-based terms, targeting studies assessing dietary intake in patients with SUD, particularly plant-based interventions. Inclusion criteria were studies reporting macro- and micronutrient intake among patients with SUD, while studies lacking direct dietary intake data were excluded. Study quality was appraised using the STROBE checklist. Results: The search yielded 1142 potential articles, with 6 meeting inclusion criteria (4 from the United States and 2 from Iran). Patients with SUD exhibited significant deficiencies in iron (−16.8%, P =.04), folate (−15.0%, P =.04), and vitamins E and A, alongside diets high in simple carbohydrates and unhealthy processed foods. Plant-based dietary interventions were associated with improved Healthy Eating Index scores (P <.001), increased resilience (+31%, P =.031), and enhanced self-esteem (P =.043). High energy intake and low multivitamin use were reported among methadone-treated patients, emphasizing the need for dietary interventions to address nutrient gaps and support recovery. Conclusion: Plant-based dietary interventions may offer a promising strategy to address nutrient deficiencies and improve mental health outcomes in patients with SUD. However, studies are limited, with small sample sizes and variability in dietary assessments. Future research, including randomized controlled trials, is needed to establish the efficacy and feasibility of integrating plant-based nutrition into SUD treatment programs. Addressing barriers such as socioeconomic challenges and food access is also crucial for implementing effective dietary interventions.