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New but actually old dietary recommendations for vegans
The German Society for Nutrition (DGE) has published its positions on vegan lifestyle. As in the past, experts point out that a one-sided diet can lead to a lack of nutrients. But for health reasons, many arguments speak in favor of a meat-free diet.
Positions published on vegan diet
According to estimates by the Vegetarian Federation (Vebu), more and more Germans are doing without animal products such as meat, milk and eggs. About 1.1 percent of the German population lives vegan for moral and ethical reasons. The German Society for Nutrition (DGE) has now developed a position on the vegan diet based on current scientific literature. DGE President Prof. Helmut Heseker had already announced this last year at the trade event "Vegetarian and vegan - just a trend?". "We can not jump on any hype, but now is the time for it," said the DGE president.
The German Nutrition Society has published its positions for vegans. Health experts warn against a lack of nutrients through one-sided nutrition. (Image: M.studio/fotolia.com) There are enough reasons for meat-free nutrition
"In a purely plant-based diet is a sufficient supply of some nutrients is not possible or difficult," write the experts. "The most critical nutrient is vitamin B12. The potentially critical nutrients in vegan diets also include protein or essential amino acids and long-chain n3 fatty acids, as well as other vitamins (riboflavin, vitamin D) and minerals (calcium, iron, iodine, zinc, selenium), "says the DGE. This is not new. Nutrition and health professionals have long been keen to inquire about which foods contain the most nutrients and how vegans can help prevent vitamin B-12 deficiency. And there are plenty of reasons for a meat-free diet. Several scientific studies have come to the conclusion that this may reduce the risk of diabetes, hypertension, heart attack and other cardiovascular diseases. And: Vegetarians are less likely to get colon cancer.
To prevent threatening nutrient deficiencies
Children, adolescents, pregnant women and nursing mothers should not eat pure vegetable according to DGE. The experts advise people who want to consciously refrain from all animal foods to do so only with the help of a nutritionist and under constant medical control. The lack of nutrients due to the omission of all animal foods must be prevented with dietary supplements. The dangers of nutrient deficiency are manifold, ranging from increased susceptibility to cardiovascular disease to severe neurological disorders and developmental delays.
Benefits of certain foods
In its position paper, the DGE points out that a vegan diet does not necessarily have to be nutritionally beneficial and beneficial to health. Above all, vegan finished and substitute products, such as sausage and cheese imitations, were in part highly processed and contained many additives, fat, salt and added sugar. The benefits of a plant-based diet, such as lower body weight and lower risk of diseases such as diabetes mellitus type 2 and cardiovascular diseases are therefore only relevant if primarily healthy legumes, fruits, nuts, seeds, valuable vegetable oils and whole grains are consumed. (Ad)