Table 2.
Official positions and statements from scientific and governmental bodies on vegetarian diets.
| Country | Year | Body | Title | Position/Statements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Italy | 2017 | Italian Society of Human Nutrition | Position paper on vegetarian diets from the working group of the Italian Society of Human Nutrition | “Well-planned vegetarian diets that include a wide variety of plant foods, and a reliable source of vitamin B12, provide adequate nutrient intake. Government agencies and health/nutrition organizations should provide more educational resources to help Italians consume nutritionally adequate vegetarian diets." |
| UK | 2017 | British Dietetic Association | Food Fact Sheet: Plant Based Diet and Vegetarian Diets | “Well-planned vegetarian diets are appropriate for all stages of life and have many benefits. These guidelines will help you enjoy all the health benefits and ensure you're eating a nutritious and complete diet. The government's eatwell plate still applies to vegetarians" |
| Europe | 2017 | European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) Committee on Nutrition |
Complementary Feeding: A Position Paper by the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) Committee on Nutrition | “Care is required to ensure an adequate nutrient intake during complementary feeding when vegetarian or vegan diets are used. Although theoretically a vegan diet can meet nutrient requirements the risks of failing to follow advice are severe [ …] If a parent chooses to wean an infant onto a vegan diet this should be done under regular medical and expert dietetic supervision …” |
| USA | 2016 | Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics | Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Vegetarian Diets | “It is the position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics that appropriately planned vegetarian, including vegan, diets are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and may provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases. These diets are appropriate for all stages of the life cycle, including pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, adolescence, older adulthood, and for athletes." |
| Germany | 2016 | German Nutrition Society | Vegan Diet - Position of the German Nutrition Society (DGE) | “The DGE does not recommend a vegan diet for pregnant women, lactating women, infants, children or adolescents. Persons who nevertheless wish to follow a vegan diet should permanently take a vitamin B12 supplement, pay attention to an adequate intake of nutrients, especially critical nutrients, and possibly use fortified foods or dietary supplements. They should receive advice from a nutrition counsellor and their supply of critical nutrients should be regularly checked by a physician." |
| Canada | 2010 | Canadian Paediatric Society | Vegetarian diets in children and adolescents | “A well-balanced vegetarian diet can provide for the needs of children and adolescents. However, appropriate caloric intake should be ensured and growth monitored. Particular attention should be paid to adequate protein intake and sources of essential fatty acids, iron, zinc, calcium and vitamins B12 and D. Supplementation may be required in cases of strict vegetarian diets with no intake of any animal products." |
| Canada | 2003 | Dietitians of Canada | Position of the American Dietetic Association and Dietitians of Canada: Vegetarian diets | “Appropriately planned vegetarian diets are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases. Well-planned vegan and other types of vegetarian diets are appropriate for all stages of the life cycle, including during pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, and adolescence." |