16 June 2014
Recent studies report that diets which exclude animal foods result in significantly lower intakes of vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, zinc and selenium.
A US review of 40 observational studies showed that the general prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency among infants reached 45% (1). While the deficiency rates among children and adolescents reached up to 33%, deficiency among pregnant women ranged from 17 to 39%, dependent on the trimester, and among adults and elderly individuals a deficiency rate of up to 86% was reported. With few exceptions, all analyzed studies documented relatively high deficiency prevalence among vegetarians. Vegans who do not ingest vitamin B12 supplements were found to be at especially high risk. An observational study from Australia with 308 young women (mean age 23 years) showed that the majority of participants did not meet the national recommendations for servings of vegetables, meat and fish (2). Avoidance of animal foods was reported in 23% of women and resulted in significantly lower intakes of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, iron, zinc and selenium compared to non-avoidance.
The researchers concluded that vegetarians, especially vegans, should give strong consideration to the use of supplements to ensure adequate micronutrient intakes. Vegetarians, regardless of the type of vegetarian diet they adhere to, should be screened for micronutrient deficiencies. A sustained low intake of micronut- rients may lead to adverse health effects in the longer-term, such as compromised immune function and iron deficiency anaemia.
29 March 2013
A new review from the US confirms that vegetarians develop vitamin B12 depletion or deficiency regardless of demographic characteristics, place of residency, age, or type of vegetarian diet.
1 November 2013
In addition to normal, age-related deterioration in brain function, the risk of a pathological decline in mental and intellectual abilities increases with age. Typical of such diseases – collectively called dementia, although there are several sub-forms – is deterioration in memory capacity, cognitive performance, language and practical skills. As a consequence, those affected can no longer perform everyday tasks. The most common forms of dementia are Alzheimer’s disease, a form in which harmful proteins (plaques) accumulate in the nerve cells of the brain, and vascular dementia, characterized by narrowing of the blood vessels due to atherosclerosis. Since dementia cannot at present be cured, early recognition and prophylaxis are extremely important. In addition to regular physical exercise and mental activity, a balanced and micronutrient-rich diet can help prevent the onset and combat the progression of dementia.
27 September 2009
A number of minerals and vitamins have been identified as playing a potential role in the prevention of bone diseases, a new review article reports.
