7 Key Nutrients Vegetarians Need to Watch

Even though I'm generally a higher protein sort of person, (one reason I'm no longer a vegetarian), those protein guides are unrealistic for most people and particularly for vegetarians. Most people are on sparkpeople because they're larger than average and want to lose weight. 68 g of protein is doable but 114 for a person who weighs 250 (like me) is hard even if you eat meat.

If you want to be a vegetarian, lose weight, keep your nutrition up and not always feel hungry, you need to be very careful about your carbs, rarely eating white flour or sugar. You will also need to be careful of your cheese intake if you are ovo-lacto. This is very hard to do and still go out with friends to eat in this country. - 5/8/2013 1:24:29 PM

The comment by MarkSS on combining proteins (ie beans and rice) comes out of a theory in the 1970's which has been disproven. It is rather easy to get enough protein if your calories are coming from fruits and vegetables rather than high sugar sources.

Don't want people to be scared of reducing traditional protein sources because of elaborate food planning; not needed.

Source: http://www.veganf
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-woman-who-launched-the-idea - 7/12/2012 4:54:19 PM

This article was disappointing and inaccurate. I have been veg for 20 and not once have I been nutritionally deficient in anything or had to be careful that I was getting proper nutrition. I would like to see the article written to all types of eaters about how to make sure we are all getting proper nutrition. Meat and dairy are not some nutritional panacea. If that was all you ate you would get scurvy. - 7/12/2012 3:22:58 PM

To the authors: you may not be aware, but the phrase "rule of thumb" refers to an old law that permitted a man to beat his wife with a stick, as long as the stick wasn't thicker than your thumb. FYI.

Otherwise, good article. - 7/12/2012 1:55:15 PM

I'd add Chia seed and DHA supplements to the Omega 3 list for vegans. - 7/12/2012 1:50:33 PM

I am in the middle of reading becoming vegan and believe that this article makes some dangerous, stereotypical assumptions about vegan and vegetarian diets. Protein is once again addressed up front when it really, truly is not a concern. Protein is in almost everything! As long as you are eating beans, whole grains, veggies and fruit, you are straight and will more that fufill your needs. Too much protein is responsible for cancers, a lack of vitamin and mineral absorbtion, and a host of other health issues, especially when that additional protein comes from animal-based sources and in particular dairy products.

Given the amount of enriched foods and supplements now on the market, there is no reason why someone who conciously plans their meals should ever have vitamin or mineral deficiencies unless other factors are at play.

According to "Becoming Vegan," 95 percent of vitamin B-12 definicies are not the result of not enough B-12 but instead are the result absorbtion issues mainly in those over the age of 50. This is not to say that vegans and vegetarians should not strive to get appropriate amount of B-12 through supplementation and fortified foods, it is merely to note that being scared of getting proper nutrition should not serve as an avoidance tool that prevents us from eating more compassionately.

No matter what our food choices, we should be aware of what we are puttting in our bodies and where it comes from. "Becoming Vegan" also states that the B-12 present in animal foods is the result of animals ingesting feces and dirt that then becomes present in their meat. Frankly, I would prefer to supplement with a plant-based form of B-12. - 7/12/2012 7:58:53 AM

A very informative article for a vegetarian like myself - 7/12/2012 6:59:39 AM

Mark, I think that this article was meant as a starting point for general information on some nutrients to look for, for those just starting a diet switch, and that the intent is that the reader should investigate further. You don't want to overload a reader with information and overwhelm them.

Thea, my protein on my nutrition tracker is set at 60-158. I think the reason for that is that, unless you are on a rigorous weight training, the balance of calories from carbs, protein and fat should be 50/20/30, so when you break that down into the calories per gram from each macronutrient, that's how many grams you should have if you are eating the specified amount of calories.

Kmacnme, Zinc requirements for vegetarians is higher because the form of zinc found in plant material isn't absorbed as well as that found in meat, so you need more in order to have the same amount in your blood as that of a meat eater. - 3/23/2012 7:53:07 PM

I am very confused about the zinc that is posted in this article as the recommended daily amount. It states 40 mg's, but I read that it's only 8-9 mg's for adult women. That's a BIG conflict. Please clarify. - 3/3/2012 8:33:59 PM

All plant foods have protein (though apples have only a trace). All vegetarian proteins have complete proteins as well. All plant proteins have some of each of all of the essential amino acids. It is true the ratios of amino acids in most plant foods are such that if we were to eat a monodiet of one food and only eat as much protein as we strictly need we would have a problem. In the real world we (including vegetarians) eat more protein than we need so we do not have to worry about perfectly balanced amino acids. Moreover, amino acid complimentation does not even have to occur at the same meal; unless you eat the same food every meal some complimentation is going on.

How often do you hear of protein deficiency in 1st world countries? The only place where this happens is in starving 3rd world countries. it simply isn't a problem where food is abundant regardless if it is animal or plant food.

B12 is a valid concern for strict vegans as is D for people who neither spend time in the sun nor eat seafood. Zinc and Iron tend to be lower in vegetarians but it is usually sufficient.

There are far more shortcomings the meat and processed food heavy diet most people eat than from people who eat mainly whole grains, vegetables, and fruit. - 10/2/2010 7:32:07 PM

I'm surprised this article didn't mention quinoa, amaranth, buckwheat, chia, and hemp seeds as complete sources of vegetarian/vegan protein.

I was pleased to see that hemp oil was given a nod as a source of omega-3s; but, disappointed that again, chia was omitted as a good source of this valuable fatty acid. As I understand it, chia should have been on the top of the list regarding natural sources of omega-3s. - 10/1/2010 2:25:09 PM

To simplify: Vit D is converted to a usable form via UV rays (sunlight). If you're not getting sufficient sun exposure you may be defficient just due to that. There are some info that suggests that as little as 20 minutes a day is sufficient. - 7/21/2010 11:29:32 PM

68 grams of protein? Not happening. That's way too much! Too much protein stresses the kidneys and interferes with calcium absorption. I reset my nutrition tracker to a minimum of 45, and no, I don't feel hungry and unsatisfied after meals. That's just ridiculous. - 7/20/2010 10:19:23 AM

I'm not as emotional as BILBY4, but the information is dangerously incomplete/simpli
fied. For example, a discussion about proteins in a vegetarian diet is not simply about eating more nuts and soy. You have to understand the concept of complete proteins and essential amino acids to make sure your diet has the right mix -- total grams of protein is not enough. One also needs to ensure that you have the right calorie mix given the lower protein density of vegetables. Similarly, the other issues are also over simplified and therefore could lead to incorrect behavior. Talk to a nutritionist, dietitian or bariatric physician or spend time reading the professional literature. - 7/20/2010 9:21:12 AM

WOW!!! Lots of info here. Even though I am not vegetarian I lean in that direction, some days forgetting to eat enough protein. I like eggs, beans and a little meat so must remember to incorporate more of them into diet.
Thanks for bringing out all of these aspects of a healthy diet. - 7/20/2010 6:45:16 AM