Questions › Is a vegan diet healthy?
Is a vegan diet healthy?
Yes. UK and international dietetic bodies agree that a well-planned vegan diet is suitable for every stage of life, including pregnancy and childhood. "Well-planned" mainly means covering a short list of nutrients, above all vitamin B12.
See what your diet might be missing. Free, in 60 seconds →What "well-planned" actually means
It is simpler than it sounds: get a reliable B12 source, a vitamin D supplement in winter, an algae omega-3, and enough iron, calcium, iodine, zinc and protein from everyday foods. Cover those and a plant-based diet is nutritionally complete and linked to several health benefits.
The nutrients to plan for
Plant-based diets tend to run low on a specific, bounded set of nutrients rather than being risky across the board. Our nutrient guides walk through each one, and the free tool turns your answers into a short, personal watch-list in about a minute.
Common questions
Is a vegan diet safe in pregnancy?
A well-planned vegan diet can be suitable in pregnancy, with particular attention to B12, iron, iodine, omega-3 and choline. It is worth discussing your plan with a midwife or dietitian.
What are the main risks of a vegan diet?
The main risk is falling short on a few specific nutrients, especially B12, if the diet is not planned. Covering the short list on our nutrient guides removes most of that risk.