German vegans are leaner but have low calcium and vitamin [B.sub.12] intakes from diet

Vegetarian Journal, Jan-Feb, 2004 by Reed Mangels

Results of a large study of German vegans were recently published. The subjects were divided into two groups--those who never ate any animal-derived foods (strict vegans) and those who ate very small amounts of eggs and dairy products (so-called moderate vegans). A total of 154 people ranging in age from 22 to 76 years were studied. Strict vegans tended to be vegans for ethical reasons, while moderate vegans reported health reasons as their main motivation. Both groups had low Body Mass Indexes (BMIs), which suggests that most were lean rather than overweight. The researchers reported only the amounts of vitamins and minerals that subjects got from food; supplements were not included.

Without considering supplements, intakes of most nutrients were at or above current recommendations, although more than 70 percent had low calcium intakes and more than 90 percent of subjects had vitamin [B.sub.12] intakes that were below recommendations. Iodine intakes also were low. Some subjects' intakes of calcium and vitamin [B.sub.12] may have been higher if supplements were included in the analysis. The authors also noted the study subjects' very low use of alcohol and tobacco.

Waldmann A, Koschizke JW, Leitzmann C, et al. 2003. Dietary intakes and lifestyle factors of a vegan population in Germany: results from the German Vegan Study. Eur J Clin Nutr 57:947-55.