Frequently Asked Question
Health & Nutrition“Vegan diets are deficient / unsafe”
Last reviewed: January 9, 2026
Summary
Major dietetic bodies have stated that *appropriately planned* vegetarian/vegan diets can be nutritionally adequate across life stages. The key is planning around a small set of nutrients of concern (especially vitamin B12).
Supported by 2 cited sources
Evidence Summary
- Position statements: well-planned vegetarian/vegan diets can be healthful and nutritionally adequate across life stages.
- Common nutrient “watch list” includes B12 (critical), iodine, iron, vitamin D, calcium, omega-3 (EPA/DHA), zinc, and sometimes selenium—depending on region and food choices. Evidence quality: High (professional consensus/position statements) Limitations / nuance: “Adequate” does not mean “automatic.” Any diet can be poorly planned; vegan diets require B12
Supporting Evidence
Position statements from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and British Dietetic Association affirm this.
Caveats: Requires appropriate planning, especially for B12.
Sources & Evidence
2 sources cited across 2 claims
1
Planned vegan diets can be nutritionally adequate
GuidelinePosition of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Vegetarian Diets — Melina V, Craig W, Levin S (2016)View source ↗
Vegetarian, vegan diets and multiple health outcomes: A systematic review with meta-analysis of observational studies — Dinu M, Abbate R, Gensini GF, Casini A, Sofi F (2017)
2
Key nutrients to monitor on vegan diets
GuidelinePosition of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Vegetarian Diets — Melina V, Craig W, Levin S (2016)View source ↗
Vegetarian, vegan diets and multiple health outcomes: A systematic review with meta-analysis of observational studies — Dinu M, Abbate R, Gensini GF, Casini A, Sofi F (2017)