Plant-Based Diets: Unlocking Their Potential While Addressing The Risks

Plant-based diets have gained considerable attention in recent years for their potential health benefits and positive environmental impact. Embracing plant-based eating patterns can contribute to a sustainable planet and may improve overall health. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that even though plant-based diets offer a myriad of health advantages, there is a need for careful nutritional planning. Individuals following plant-based diets may be at risk for nutrient deficiencies and it is essential to acknowledge and address these concerns to ensure a well-rounded approach to plant-based nutrition.

The Health and Environmental Benefits of Plant-Based Diets

Research has consistently shown that plant-based diets may have profound positive effects on our health and the environment. Some of these benefits include:

1. Reduced risk of chronic disease: A plant-based diet has been associated with a lower risk of chronic disease such as heart disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers (1).
2. Improved digestive health: A diet rich in plant foods, especially fiber, can support digestive health by reducing the risk of constipation and promoting a healthy gut microbiome (2).
3. Lowered blood pressure: Plant-based diets can contribute to a reduced risk of hypertension (3).
4. Environmental Sustainability: Plant-based diets have a lower environmental footprint as they require fewer natural resources, produce fewer greenhouse gases, have less impact on deforestation, and can help protect biodiversity (4).
5. Ethical Considerations: Many people choose plant-based diets for ethical reasons, especially in the context of factory farming. In these facilities, animals are frequently subjected to overcrowded, unsanitary, and stressful environments.

Nutrient Deficiencies in Plant-Based Diets: Understanding the Risks

Plant-based eaters, particularly vegans, are at risk of nutrient deficiencies due to the exclusion of certain food groups in their diet. Deficiencies in key nutrients can lead to hormonal and thyroid imbalances which, in turn, can compromise overall health. Some of the most common nutrient deficiencies seen in plant-based eaters include:

1. Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 is one of the most critical nutrients to monitor for vegans as it is primarily found in animal products such as meat, fish, and dairy. It is involved in producing red blood cells and important for maintaining normal neurological function. As an essential vitamin, our bodies cannot produce it on their own and it therefore must be obtained from our diet. The most common symptoms of B12 deficiency may include fatigue, headaches, mood changes, and heart palpitations (5).
2. Vitamin D: Studies also have shown that vitamin D intake is generally lower among individuals following a plant-based diet (6). Vitamin D acts as a pro-hormone that our bodies can synthesize naturally after exposure to sunlight. It supports optimal immune function, promotes strong bones and muscles, and aids in calcium absorption (7). Plant-based eaters, along with much of the United States general population, are at risk of vitamin D deficiency as dietary sources are limited and relying solely on sun exposure is difficult. Recent studies reveal that living above the 37^th latitude in the United States can significantly reduce our ability to synthesize vitamin D during the winter months (8).
3. Iron: Iron is essential for hemoglobin production to help carry oxygen throughout the body. Iron consumed from plant-based sources (non-heme iron) is less readily absorbed than heme iron from animal sources. This is due to non-heme iron’s lower bioavailability than heme iron due to absorption inhibitors present in plants such as phytic acid (9). Fatigue and dizziness are common symptoms of an iron deficiency.
4. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids such as DHA and EPA are critical for heart and brain health, support cognitive function, and can help reduce inflammation (10). Plant-based eaters may struggle to obtain sufficient DHA and EPA as it is mainly found in cold-water fish, shellfish, and cod liver oil. While plant-based sources of omega-3s like flaxseeds and walnuts are available, vegans may struggle to meet their omega-3 needs due to the lower bioavailability of these nutrients in plants (11).
5. Iodine: Iodine is a crucial component for thyroid hormone synthesis, which help regulate metabolism and overall growth and development. Iodine is often found in dairy products, eggs, and seafood (12). Studies have highlighted the possibility of inadequate intakes of iodine when following a vegan diet, especially in women (13).
6. Selenium: Selenium, an essential mineral with antioxidant properties, is vital for maintaining thyroid function and for supporting immune health. It is commonly found in fish, poultry, eggs, and Brazil nuts. Studies show that that vegans have significantly lower intakes of selenium compared to vegetarians and omnivores (14).

Steps to Preventing Nutrient Deficiencies in a Plant-Based Diet

To ensure the nutritional adequacy of a plant-based diet, vegans and plant-based eaters can take several proactive measures:

1. Educate Yourself: Understand the nutrient requirements of a plant-based diet and the common nutrient deficiencies that can arise. Set your focus on which foods or supplements can provide these nutrients.
2. Supplementation: Consider supplementing with vitamin B12, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and other nutrients to help fill in any nutritional gaps. an unsupplemented vegan diet will often be low in is a simple, all-in-one multivitamin that covers the most common nutrient deficiencies seen in plant-based eaters. It is scientist-formulated, 3^rd party tested, and made without gluten, dairy, soy, or peanuts. Consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized guidance.
3. Diversify Your Diet: Incorporate a wide variety of whole, plant-based foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, to maximize nutrient intake.
4. Limit Processed Foods: A diet high in processed foods, even if labeled vegan or plant-based, can contribute to health issues like obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes (15). It is easy to fall under the trap that a “vegan” labeled product must be a healthy and sustainable choice, which is very rarely the case. These products tend to be filled with additives, preservatives, and highly processed ingredients that lack the nutrient diversity needed to prevent nutrient deficiencies. Prioritizing whole, nutrient-dense foods can help minimize these risks.

Plant-based diets offer numerous health benefits and contribute to a sustainable future for our planet. However, it is vital to address the potential nutrient deficiencies that can arise, especially among vegans. Through a balanced diet, supplementation, and careful planning, it is possible to prevent nutritional deficiencies. Always consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized dietary recommendations and guidance on meeting specific nutrient needs in a plant-based diet.