Disadvantage of Vegetarian Diets

People become vegetarians for different reasons, including concerns about animal cruelty, environmental sustainability, and health. Non-vegetarians like to ask, "Where do you get your protein?" However, protein is rarely a problem, even for vegans. There are other nutritional disadvantages and lifestyle adjustments prospective vegetarians should take into account.

Vitamin B-12

The only types of vitamin B-12 that is readily absorbed by the human body is that available in animal products. This vitamin is necessary for red blood cell formation and nervous system maintenance. People who eat very few or no animal products need a B-12 supplement. Because B-12 actually is derived from bacteria which live in soil, vegan supplements are available.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D, important for healthy bones, can be deficient in people who do not eat any or very few animal products. Vegetarians who do not eat eggs or milk should be sure to take a supplement with vitamin D, or eat foods fortified with the vitamin, such as soymilk and some cereals.

Restaurants

Finding vegetarian items in restaurants has gotten easier, but many places still have slim pickings. People who don't eat cheese or eggs will have an even bigger disadvantage at most restaurants. Vegetarians also typically must ask for special food orders at work meetings and conferences.

Carbohydrates and Weight

Eliminating meat from the diet can actually result in weight gain if the new vegetarian simply replaces the meat with carbohydrates such as bread, pasta and potatoes, or worse, junk food.

Outside the Norm

Another disadvantage of a vegetarian diet is having to deal with people who feel the need to question the decision or make comments about it. They must remind hosts of dinner parties or barbecues before the event, and sometimes might need to bring their own food.

References

• Problems with vegetarian diets
• Foods highest in vitamin D

Resources

• Vitamin B12 for vegans