Research Tips
May 19, 2009Vegetarian diets are not always healthy. Whether you consume animal products or not, consuming a good balance of essential nutrients is more important than what the diet excludes.
Am J Clin Nutr. 2009 May;89(5):1607S-1612S.
November 10, 2009
Vegetarians are prone to vitamin B-12 deficiency, therefore if you are a vegetarian, it is important to consume a high dose supplement of vitamin B-12.
Ann Nutr Metab. 2000;44(5-6):229-34
June 16, 2010
Studies on people consuming vegan and macrobiotic diets have reported poor vitamin B-12 status in as many as 90 percent of the study participants. Diets free of animal foods require adequate B-12 from supplements or fortified foods.
Ann Nutr Metab. 2000;44(5-6):229-34.
July 8, 2010
The breast-fed infant of a healthy mother can thrive on breast milk alone for four to six months. However, if a mother is deficient in vitamin B-12, her milk also will be deficient. This can irreversibly damage the baby's brain and nerve development. Consequently, vegetarian mothers are commonly advised to take a B-12 supplement.
Nutr Rev. 2008 May;66(5):250-5.