Vegans ‘More In Line’ With Nutritional Recommendations, Says Study

A new study comparing the dietary habits of vegans and omnivores found that vegans are more in line with micronutrient and macronutrient recommendations. While both groups consumed a similar amount of ultra-processed foods, vegans consumed more high-quality carbohydrates, fiber, and less saturated fat. Vegan participants also took in substantially more vitamin C, folate, and iron, while omnivores consumed more iodine and calcium. However, both groups could improve their micronutrient intake, prompting the need for dedicated plant-based guidelines for optimal nutrition.

The study also highlighted the environmental impact of dietary choices, with omnivores generating more than twice the amount of greenhouse gas emissions compared to vegans, mostly driven by meat and dairy consumption. Recent research has shown that vegan diets can be just as effective as omnivorous diets for muscle growth, and organizations like the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics have affirmed that plant-based diets are nutritionally adequate with potential health benefits. Plant-based foods have also been linked to reduced biological age, longevity, and a lower risk of certain health conditions, while meat and dairy consumption has been associated with pollution, the climate crisis, and an increased risk of diseases like cancer.