Decoding the Vegetarian Lacto-Ovo Code: VLML
The phrase "vegetarian lacto-ovo code" most commonly refers to the airline catering and travel industry code VLML, which stands for Vegetarian Lacto-Ovo Meal. This code is essential for travelers who need to communicate their specific dietary needs to airlines, cruise lines, and other catering services. While the term itself isn't used outside of this industry, it perfectly describes the most widely practiced form of vegetarianism, which includes both dairy products (lacto) and eggs (ovo) in an otherwise plant-based diet. Understanding this classification is key for anyone following this diet, especially when away from home.
What is a Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian?
A lacto-ovo vegetarian adheres to a diet that includes fruits, vegetables, legumes, grains, nuts, seeds, eggs, and dairy products, but explicitly excludes meat, poultry, and fish. The etymology of the name clarifies its components: lacto comes from the Latin for milk, referring to the inclusion of dairy, and ovo comes from the Latin for egg. This approach is often considered the most traditional form of vegetarianism in Western cultures and provides a balanced and nutritionally complete diet when planned properly.
The Foods Allowed and Forbidden Under the VLML Code
This diet offers significant variety by including dairy and eggs, which are excellent sources of protein, vitamin B12, and other essential nutrients that can sometimes be harder to obtain on a purely vegan diet.
Allowed Foods:
- Eggs and Dairy: Eggs, milk, cheese, yogurt, and butter.
- Fruits and Vegetables: All types are permitted.
- Grains: Whole grains, bread, pasta, rice, and oats.
- Legumes: Beans, lentils, peas, and chickpeas.
- Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, cashews, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and flax seeds.
- Plant-Based Proteins: Tofu, tempeh, and seitan.
- Healthy Fats: Avocado, olive oil, and nuts.
Forbidden Foods:
- All Animal Flesh: Meat, poultry, fish, and seafood.
- Animal-Derived Products: This typically includes ingredients derived from slaughter, such as gelatin and animal rennet.
- Certain Broths: Broths made from meat or fish stock.
Health and Environmental Benefits
Following a lacto-ovo vegetarian diet is linked to numerous health benefits. Studies show it can lead to lower rates of obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. It can also promote healthier gut flora due to a high intake of dietary fiber from plants. Environmentally, shifting to a lacto-ovo diet has a significantly smaller ecological footprint compared to an omnivorous diet, though a vegan diet is generally recognized as having the least environmental impact. The reduction comes from decreased demand for meat production, which is associated with high greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, and land use.
Navigating the Lacto-Ovo vs. Other Vegetarian Diets
To understand the nuances of a lacto-ovo diet, it helps to compare it with other vegetarian approaches. The key difference lies in the specific animal products included or excluded.
| Dietary Type | Excludes | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian (VLML) | Meat, poultry, fish, seafood | Eggs, dairy products |
| Lacto-Vegetarian | Meat, poultry, fish, seafood, eggs | Dairy products |
| Ovo-Vegetarian | Meat, poultry, fish, seafood, dairy products | Eggs |
| Vegan (VGML) | All animal products, including meat, poultry, fish, dairy, and eggs | All plant-based foods |
Sourcing and Planning for a VLML Diet
For those adhering to the VLML code, particularly when traveling, planning is crucial. Airlines and caterers often use the code to manage and prepare the correct meal. On a daily basis, a well-planned lacto-ovo diet is nutritionally sound but requires attention to certain nutrients. Ensuring adequate intake of protein, iron, and B12 is important. Eggs and dairy provide high-quality protein and B12, while pairing iron-rich plant foods like lentils with vitamin C-rich foods (e.g., peppers, citrus) enhances iron absorption.
Conclusion
The vegetarian lacto-ovo code, VLML, is a formal designation within the catering industry for a diet that includes plant-based foods, dairy, and eggs while excluding all meat, fish, and poultry. For the everyday individual, it represents a flexible and common dietary lifestyle chosen for health, ethical, or environmental reasons. A well-planned lacto-ovo diet can be rich in essential nutrients, providing numerous health benefits and a more sustainable eating pattern than a traditional omnivorous diet. For travelers, specifying VLML ensures dietary needs are met, offering peace of mind and a satisfying meal.
Visit Healthline for more detailed dietary comparisons and healthy eating plans
