Are vegans at risk of not getting enough nutrients?

A recent review by Mayo Clinic physicians indicated that vegans should ensure adequate intake of a few nutrients to avoid deficiency. — TNS

The health benefits of a plant-based diet is well-known, but the question remains: Could vegans be at risk for deficiency of essential nutrients?

A retrospective review by Mayo Clinic physicians in the US recently published in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association indicated that vegans should ensure adequate intake of a few nutrients.

According to a 2012 Gallup poll, two per cent of the US population follows a vegan diet, which is a strict plant-based diet that excludes all animal-derived foods.

Increasingly, people are choosing to follow this diet for ethical, environmental, religious and health concerns. With the growing popularity of plant-based diets, the Mayo Clinic team compiled a review of recent literature to monitor and advise vegans to ensure proper nutritional intake.

Nutrients of concern are vitamin B12, iron, calcium, vitamin D, protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

“We found that some of these nutrients, which can have implications in neurologic disorders, anaemia, bone strength and other health concerns, can be deficient in poorly planned vegan diets,” says Dr Heather Fields at Mayo Clinic in Arizona.

Contrary to popular belief, she says, “Vegans have not been shown to be deficient in protein intake or in any specific amino acids.”

The study points out that some vegans rely heavily on processed foods and may not eat a sufficient variety of fruits, vegetables and wholegrains.

A whole food, plant-based diet is commendable, and a well-planned vegan diet can be adequate to achieve proper nutrition, but requires some education.

The Mayo Clinic review team recommends that healthcare providers monitor vegan patients for adequate blood levels of vitamin B12, iron, ferritin, calcium and vitamin D. – Mayo Clinic News Network/Tribune News Service