Should vegetarians and vegans supplement?

Vegetarianism is a general term encompassing a variety of diets that exclude the consumption of some or all animal products (Brown DD 2018). Apart from religious or ethical reasons, research reveals health improvement, medical intervention, or aberrant eating pathologies as possible motives for this dietetic choice (Brown DD 2018).?

Vegetarianism as a choice?

Market research surveys indicate that as of 2020, approximately 6 million German citizens follow a vegetarian diet (Weikert C et al. 2020). The same surveys also found that almost 1 million Germans are on a vegan diet.??

Individuals may adopt a vegetarian diet as a means of losing or controlling their weight. This is because population studies have indicated that vegetarian and vegan diets can offer protection from the development of obesity (Weikert C et al. 2020). A primarily plant-based diet can also prevent the complications associated with obesity, such as hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, especially in men (Weikert C et al. 2020).??

On the other end of the spectrum, dancers and endurance sports athletes may consume plant-based diets in an effort to meet the high carbohydrate demands of their sports (Brown DD 2018). In fact, a 1996 UK national survey into dancers’ health reported that 30%-40% of those surveyed, reported being vegetarian (Brinson P et al. 1996).??

Adequate nutrition with a vegetarian diet?

Contrary to popular belief, it is possible to have a balanced health, well-being, and physical performance through a well-managed plant-based diet.??

The scientific recommendation is for a dietary macronutrient composition of 55% carbohydrates, 20% to 30% fat (including long-chain n-3 fatty acids), and 12% to 15% proteins (essential amino acids) (Brown DD 2018). The German Nutrition Society (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ern?hrung) describes the following micronutrients as critical: vitamin B12, vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin D, calcium and the trace elements iron, iodine, zinc, and selenium (Richter M et al. 2016).?

With careful planning, including the quality and timing of dietary intake, one can receive adequate amounts of most of the daily nutritional needs through plant sources. However, some nutrients like vitamin B12 can only be obtained through fortified food or dietary supplements.?

Should I supplement if I am on a plant-based diet??

While dietary components and availabilities can vary with geographical location and culinary cultures, the key to all balanced diets is a variety of food types. They must contain all the necessary nutrients in adequate amounts to enhance the overall health of the individual (Brown DD 2018).??

Well balanced or appropriately planned vegetarian diets require a good understanding of key nutrients found in food sources, the appropriate method of preparation and the combination of foods that maximize nutrient absorption. Apart from nutrient sufficiency, it is also important to have an adequate calorific intake to meet everyday energy requirements.??

Where needed, vegetarians should seek the advice of qualified dietitians to receive support with dietary planning. Please also consult your primary care physician about supplementation of nutrients that are difficult to obtain through a vegetarian or vegan diet. Nutrients that vegetarians and vegans require to supplement are vitamin B12, iron and vitamin D.?

The vegetarian and vegan food supplements market?

At the end of 2021, the plant-based food market was valued at 35.6bn USD (Statista 2021). Of this, the vegan food market share was 15.77bn USD. With more individuals adopting a plant-rich lifestyle (for example, 15% of the Irish and English population are non-meat eaters (Statista 2021), the market for supplements that can address their special needs is also growing.??

Our Business Development officers will be happy to provide you with more information on our vegan liposomal products.??

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