[54mf]

This is false and serious FUD. There are a handful of vitamins/minerals that aren't found in meat-free diets (B12 is the big one) but they're all easily covered by fortified foods and/or taking a daily multivitamin. "Protein from animals" is absolutely not critical, and protein is found in all sorts of meatless sources. Nuts, leafy greens, etc.

[choko]

My wife went vegan and it caused her to become anemic. She talked to two different doctors, and tried different supplements. She is far healthier with a little meat in her diet than without. I'm not claiming this is the norm, but you should realize that not everyone tolerates a diet completely devoid of meat.