Does the vegan diet have side effects on health?

Veganism has a lot of ticks: it's related to longevity and vitalityand it's better for the environment.

But becoming vegan can have side effects – for example, by scoring most of Melbourne with your protests.

Stephanie Rice, gold medalist at the Olympic Games, has been vegan for over six years. She was replaced by health problems after retiring from swimming.

"I've had the best energy of my life, I do not suffer and my skin is beautiful," Rice said, Today & # 39; hui. "For me, these are the symbols of health."

Dr. Penny Adams said Today & # 39; hui that she has seen an increase in the number of patients who adopt a vegan diet, especially young women, perhaps influenced by celebrities and social media influencers.

But despite the benefits of the vegan diet for health, it can have disadvantages if it is not planned properly.

"There are nutrients that are [only] found in foods of animal origin – such as [vitamin] B12, "said Adams, adding that vegans could also be at a higher risk of calcium, iron, and protein deficiency.

While it is possible to supplement all these nutrients, Adams pointed out that the body does not absorb the nutrients contained in the pills, nor the nutrients contained in the foods. (The supplements themselves can also have side effects – for example, calcium supplements are linked to heart damage.)

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Adams said she feared that a minority of those who go veganism use the diet as a mask for a eating disorder.

"A clbadic progression is that they start restricting food groups – they become vegetarians, then vegans," she said, advising anyone wishing to become a vegan to consult a dietitian for help. ensure that your diet is nutritionally balanced. .

Rice has issued an important warning about veganism: you can be a healthy vegan or an unhealthy vegan.

"There are many vegetarians who eat a lot of raw desserts and who make packaged food – it's not healthy," she said.

Adams concluded on one important point: whether you choose to be vegan or meat eater, it's important to load your diet with whole plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes , nuts and seeds.

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