Vegetarians or Vegans?

[uniconr]

Originally Posted by Vorian's Revenge

Please consider that test were done on people that do not eat meat. It was conclusive that with out the properties that meat gives the brain it leads to memory loss in later years.

vorian here is referring to vitamin b12. it is found naturally only in meat and animal products. edit: or not. read Phtha's link and associated articles long term deficiency can be fatal.

it is an essential supplement for vegans. while it is possible to derive a multitude of vitamins and minerals from vegetable sources, if you are not eating meat, dairy, or eggs, you are most likely deficient in b12 edit: but dont take my word for it, get a blood test!

the studies have been numerous, but most of them are portrayed as 'proof' that vegetarian/vegan diet is not good for you, that it will shrink your brain, cause irreversible nerve damage etc etc

if youre going to eat a vegetable-based diet, it is really important to learn a few things about nutrition. you are missing out on a lot of nutrients if you dont know to eat the right foods. what comes to mind immediately are the essential fatty acids, omega 3 6 and 9, but lately, in canada at least, the trend has been to fortify a lot of different foods with those, and many breakfast cereals as well as soy/rice/nut/hemp milk are fortified with b12 but dont depend on those.

unfortunately, i feel confident in saying that most humans are malnourished in some way, regardless of dietary structure. most people should really be on multivitamins..

much love,
a vegan