Tag: Healthy veganism

According to a 2010 cross-sectional analysis, more than half of vegans studied were deficient in vitamin B12, compared to a much smaller percentage of meat-eaters. This highlights the critical importance for those on a plant-based diet to actively manage their B12 intake through fortified foods or supplements.

According to a systematic review published in *Dietetics*, poorly planned vegan diets can result in multiple nutritional deficiencies, including vitamin B12, vitamin D, and iron, undermining the health benefits often associated with plant-based eating. This raises the important question: can being a vegan be unhealthy?

According to the Vegan Society, vitamin B12 is the only vitamin not reliably supplied from a varied whole-food, plant-based diet, necessitating a reliable source for optimal health. This brings up a critical question for many vegans, new and long-term: Is B12 natural for vegans? The short, factual answer is no, and understanding its microbial origins is a crucial part of maintaining a healthy plant-based lifestyle.

According to a 2024 review published in *The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition*, vegetarian diets, including veganism, are associated with numerous health benefits due to their high fiber and nutrient content. This growing awareness is leading many to ask: **What does it mean to be a natural vegan?** It signifies a commitment that goes beyond simply abstaining from animal products, emphasizing a diet rooted in the purest, most unprocessed forms of plant-based nutrition.

According to research published by the National Institutes of Health, while a vegan diet can decrease the risk of cardiometabolic diseases, it also carries the potential for specific micro and macronutrient deficits. Understanding if there is a downside to being vegan requires a balanced view of both the nutritional risks and benefits.