If you have any concerns over your diet, contact a health professional for
advice.
What is the difference between a meat-free and vegetarian diet?
Someone on a meat-free diet may consume fish and other seafood, whereas a
vegetarian does not.
What is a vegetarian?
A vegetarian is a person who does not eat meat or fish or products containing
these foods. Eating patterns of vegetarians may vary widely but most fall into
one of the following categories:
- A lacto (milk)- ovo (egg)-vegetarian?
Their eating pattern is based on grains, vegetables, fruits, legumes, seeds,
nuts, dairy products and eggs but excludes meat and fish.
- A vegan?
A vegan's eating pattern is similar to lacto-ovo-vegetarians, with the
additional exclusion of dairy, such as cheese, and all other animal products.
What is a fruitarian?
A type of vegan diet where very few processed or cooked foods are eaten.
Consists mainly of raw fruit, grains and nuts. Fruitarians believe only plants
that
can be harvested without killing the plant should be eaten.
What is a semi-vegetarian?
Someone who has a similar eating pattern to lacto-ovo-vegetarian but
occasionally consumes meat or fish.
Why do people choose a vegetarian diet?
For a number of reasons. Key factors including animal welfare, health,
ethical
and environmental issues, and cultural and religious reasons. People also
become
vegetarian simply because they don't like the taste or texture of meat and
fish.
What proportion of the UK population are vegetarian?
It is estimated that approximately 2.5% of the UK population are vegetarian,
a
larger percentage of the population fall into the semi-vegetarian category
based
on their eating patterns.
What are the health implications of a well planned vegetarian diet?
The British Nutrition Foundation states that "A vegetarian diet is
certainly not automatically healthier than an omnivorous diet, and both can be
healthy
diets. Vegetarians and meat-eaters alike should aim for a balanced diet,
which
is low in fat (and especially saturates) and includes at least 5 portions of
fruit and vegetables every day, coupled with a healthy lifestyle, being
physically
active and maintaining a sensible body weight."
What are the health implications of a poorly planned vegetarian diet?
Poorly planned vegetarian diets can result in a shortfall in key nutrient
intake of vitamin B-12, calcium, vitamin D, zinc, iron and n-3 fatty acids.
Qualified dietitians can help provide specific guidelines for balanced
lacto-ovo-vegetarian and vegan meals which help meets these nutrient
requirements.
Are vegetarian diets suitable for all stages of the life cycle?
Well planned vegetarian diets are appropriate for all stages of the life
cycle
including during pregnancy, infancy, childhood and adolescence. Older adults
can
easily meet their protein needs on a vegetarian diet, although they may
need to
seek nutritional advice on foods that are easy to chew, require minimal
preparation, or are appropriate for therapeutic diets.
Where can I find more information on the health issues concerning a vegetarian
diet?
The most recent detailed study of the health issues concerning a vegetarian
diet was published in June 2003 in a report entitled Position of the American Dietetic Association and Dietitians of Canada:
Vegetarian diets.
If you have any concerns over your diet, contact a health professional for
advice.
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