FW: How our vegan diet made us ill - Vegan Society official response

[Guest guest]

Here is the Vegan Society's official response to the piece in the

Independent,

 

Lesley

 

 

 

Patricia Tricker [vegan]

17 June 2008 19:48

Undisclosed-Recipient:;

How our vegan diet made us ill - Vegan Society official response

 

The following has gone to the Independent and will be on the VS website very

 

shortly.

Best wishes,

Patricia

 

Patricia Tricker, Vegan Society Trustee & National Contacts' Coordinator

Cottage 3, Arrathorne, Bedale, DL8 1NA

e-mail: vegan

 

 

FOR PUBLICATION

 

Parent Holly Paige told Independent journalist Natasha Mann that her

children could not get enough nutrients on 'a vegan diet' (Tue 17 Jun

2008

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-wellbeing/healthy-liv

ing/how-our-vegan-diet-made-us-ill-848322.html). A particular raw food

regime is repeatedly equated to 'veganism' in the article.

 

The Vegan Society is correctly quoted as having the evidence to show

that a balanced vegan diet can support a healthy lifestyle at all ages -

including young children. But the piece is otherwise full of

unsubstantiated nutritional speculation. For example, the mother

states that her children were deficient in vitamin D and protein - but

admits that she has no medical advice to support this diagnosis.

 

The Vegan Society guidelines for feeding children emphasise the need for

a varied diet rich in all nutrients. We urge anyone with vegan

children in their care to contact us for free, scientifically sound

advice on healthy plant-based nutrition for youngsters. Our contact

details are on our Web site, www.vegansociety.com along with a wide

range of nutritional advice.

 

The advice given in your article suggests that protein and calcium are

difficult to obtain on a vegan diet. This is not the case.

 

Protein needs at every stage of life can be comfortably met by eating a

good quantity and variety of grains, nuts, seeds, beans and other

pulses. Vegans can easily get all essential amino acids from a varied

diet without 'food combining' at a given meal.

 

However, if you are not getting enough calories, you may go short of

protein too. To boost protein intake, choose nuts over oils, wheat over

rice, and include moderate amounts of beans, peas and lentils.

 

Intake of absorbable calcium from a plant-based diet can be very high if

large amounts of dark green leafy vegetables such as spring greens or

kale are eaten. Calcium-set tofu and suitably fortified plant milks are

also good sources. However, calcium intake can be low if the diet

centres on grains or modern cultivated fruits (oranges are an exception

and a useful source of calcium).

 

But we cannot rely on calcium alone for healthy bones. We also need

plenty of potassium, and limited sodium, as well as enough vitamin D and

protein. These caveats apply to everyone, whatever their diet.

 

Here at The Vegan Society, we are saddened to hear of the medical

problems suffered by the family. We would like to remind all vegans

that their health, and the health of their children is their

responsibility, and that we are here to help.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

Stephen Walsh, Nutrition Advisor to The Vegan Society

 

The Vegan Society, Donald Watson House, 21 Hylton St, Hockley,

Birmingham, B18 6HJ

Mobile: 07967 361 510 Tel: 0121 523 1730 Fax: 0121 523 1749

Email: info Web: www.vegansociety.com

Reg. Charity No 279228 Company Reg. No 1468880 VAT Reg. No 448 5973 95

 

CC: Features Editor, Letters Editor, Natasha Mann

 

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Web: www.vegansociety.com Address: The Vegan Society, Donald Watson

House,

21 Hylton St, Hockley, Birmingham, B18 6HJ

Reg. Charity No 279228 Company Reg. No 1468880 VAT Reg. No 448 5973 95