Vegan diets Not really healthy for all people

Bundesinstitut: Further strengthening risk awareness for vegan nutrition

In a research project of the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) it was found that vegans are educated above average and have a sound nutritional knowledge. However, it requires more education that the pure vegetable diet is not suitable for all groups of people.

Meatless diet for health reasons

Soy instead of beef on the grill, then vegan baked cake with banana instead of egg: vegan diet is in vogue. Often, the health aspect is in the foreground: typical lifestyle diseases such as obesity, diabetes or high blood lipid levels are rare in vegans. But in addition to proven positive health effects are also described risks. For certain groups of people vegan diet is not suitable according to experts.

More and more people are choosing vegan nutrition. Which health advantages and disadvantages this step brings is, according to experts, not scientifically clarified yet. Therefore, the risk awareness for this diet should be further strengthened in their opinion. (Image: PhotoSG / fotolia.com)

Low supply of nutrients possible

"In particular, in pregnant women and children who completely abstain from animal food, a deficiency of nutrients such as vitamin B12 or iron is possible," said the President of the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Professor. Dr. Andreas Hensel, in a message.

"For information on potential risks to reach the target group, it is essential to know the settings."

The BfR is now publishing results of a research project dedicated to the individual and social factors that lead to the motivation and maintenance of a vegan diet.

Among other things, it became clear: An effective risk communication should build on existing convictions of vegans. The goal is concrete tips that can be combined with a vegan diet.

Positive influences on health

A growing proportion of the population opts for the vegan diet. The health advantages and disadvantages of this step are, however, scientifically not yet clear, writes the BfR.

Some studies show that a vegan diet can have beneficial effects on health, such as lower cholesterol and lower risk of type 2 diabetes.

At the same time there may be potential health risks in a purely vegan diet. Because: A purely plant-based diet makes it difficult to supply enough nutrients.

In addition to vitamin B12, for example, some minerals, certain amino acids and long-chain omega-3 fatty acids are described as potentially critical nutrients. This particularly affects sensitive groups such as pregnant women and children.

Dietary recommendations for vegans

The German Society for Nutrition (DGE) developed dietary recommendations for vegans in 2016 based on the current scientific literature.

Among other things, she came to the conclusion: "For pregnant women, nursing women, infants, children and adolescents, a vegan diet by the DGE is not recommended."

However, the spokeswoman for the DGE, Antje Gahl, admitted years ago that a vegan diet for children is quite possible with a varied diet.

The important thing is that parents know what they should be aware of when eating their children's vegan diet.

Above average

The BfR has devoted itself to this topic in order to develop suitable risk communication strategies. With the help of focus group interviews, a total of 42 vegans were questioned about their attitudes as part of a research project.

Due to the sometimes very pronounced deviations from the average population, generalized statements can be made.

According to the study, vegans are educated above average and have a sound nutritional knowledge. For example, 40 out of the 42 respondents are aware that the vegan diet can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency.

Most people said they regularly supplemented the vitamin to prevent a vitamin B12 deficiency.

But there is also a need for information. For example, knowledge of iron sources in food is fragmented. However, the awareness of the special diet is present in the majority of respondents.

When searching for information about vegan nutrition, the Internet is the most important source of information.

Vegan diet for ethical reasons

The survey revealed uniform recruitment patterns. So the decision for a vegan diet is usually ethically justified. In most cases it also implies the renunciation of animal products in other areas, such as clothing.

For the vast majority of respondents, the return to the omnivorous diet, which allows animal products, is unimaginable. Even a pregnancy is usually not considered as a reason.

In addition, it became clear in the survey: Who presents the vegan diet as dangerous or abnormal, finds little hearing in the target group.

According to BfR, effective risk communication should rather build on existing convictions. These include specific instructions for vegans who can link them to their diet. (Ad)