Health effects of vegan diets

Health effects of vegan diets

Winston J Craig

ABSTRACT

Recently, vegetarian diets have experienced an increase in popularity.

Avegetarian diet is associated with many health benefits because

of its higher content of fiber, folic acid, vitamins C and E, potassium,

magnesium, and many phytochemicals and a fat content that is more

unsaturated. Compared with other vegetarian diets, vegan diets tend

to contain less saturated fat and cholesterol and more dietary fiber.

Vegans tend to be thinner, have lower serum cholesterol, and lower

blood pressure, reducing their risk of heart disease. However, eliminating

all animal products from the diet increases the risk of certain

nutritional deficiencies. Micronutrients of special concern for the

vegan include vitamins B-12 and D, calcium, and long-chain n–3

(omega-3) fatty acids. Unless vegans regularly consume foods that

are fortified with these nutrients, appropriate supplements should be

consumed. In some cases, iron and zinc status of vegans may also be

of concern because of the limited bioavailability of these

minerals.

Am J Clin Nutr

2009;89(suppl):1627S–33S.

Full free article in PDF http://www.ajcn.org/content/89/5/1627S.full.pdf+html