Vegetarianism

In one review, it was concluded that lower mortality in British vegetarians was best explained by behaviors other than their non-consumption of meat. A qualified healthcare provider should be consulted before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

Other studies have reported health benefits with vegetarian diets. In an outpatient setting, 64 overweight, postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to a low-fat, vegan diet or a control diet based on National Cholesterol Education Program guidelines, without energy intake limits, and were asked to maintain exercise unchanged. Mean ± standard deviation intervention-group body weight decreased 5.8 ± 3.2 kg, compared with 3.8 ± 2.8 kg in the control group (p=0.012).

Vegetarian diets are often high in fiber-rich bulky foods, which produce less total calories, and thus may be beneficial for obesity. High fiber influences the health of the digestive tract. Diets low in fat and saturated fat and high in fiber, fruits, and vegetables may also lower blood pressure. Most vegetarians replace meat in their diets with foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and soybeans. These foods provide less saturated fat, more fiber, antioxidants, and promote overall lean body composition. Vegetarians tend to consume less fat and protein, and seem to produce fewer carcinogens in the body than meat eaters.

Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about healthcare practices. Some safety concerns are discussed below, but this is not a comprehensive list.

Calcium deficiency: Calcium deficiency may lead to osteoporosis. Women who are vegetarians have been associated with low bone mineral density when compared to those on non-vegetarian diet.

Child development: Based on expert opinion, there are several recommendations for pregnant or lactating women or young children. It is recommended that breast milk or formula should be the basis of the diet until one year of age. Fat should not be limited for a child less than two years of age. For children not drinking milk or a fortified substitute, the following nutrients may be limited: calcium, protein, vitamin D, riboflavin. These children may need a vitamin and mineral supplement. Vitamin B12 must be supplemented if no animal products are consumed. Adequate iron intake is difficult to achieve if meat is not consumed. Good sources of iron include prunes and prune juice, fortified cereals and grain products, raisins, and spinach.

Cobalamin deficiency: Indian Asian men residing in the United Kingdom have a higher prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia than do their European counterparts. This has been largely attributed to dietary deficiencies in cobalamin associated with vegetarianism among these Indian Asians.

Hormonal irregularities and kwashiorkor: Caution is advised as hormonal irregularities may occur due to fruitarian diets.

Hyperglycemia: Caution is advised in patients with diabetes or blood sugar disorders as high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) may result from a fruitarian diet since the fruits contain high amounts of sugar.

Iron deficiency anemia: A strict vegetarian diet may increase the risk of iron deficiency anemia due to the exclusion of animal products, and high dietary fiber content of foods such as soy protein, bran, and fiber. The dietary fiber in these foods also may inhibit iron absorption.

Protein deficiency: Protein deficiency may lead to loss of hair and muscle mass along with abnormal accumulation of fluid.

Vitamin B12 deficiency: A vegan diet in lactating women can induce vitamin B12 deficiency for their children with risks of impaired neurological development. Vegan diet may be an inadequate regimen for pregnant and lactating women, especially for their children.

Vitamin D deficiency: A vitamin D deficiency may cause rickets in children.