[delibes]

"Whatever the truth is, isn’t it about time we found out?"

Most other vegans I know seem to be very aware of the nutrition issues, and take EPA/DHA supplements and extra vitamins. "Nootch" - nutritional yeast - is also a very common ingredient used to boost vitamins and minerals.

It's of course hard to be 100% sure what's safe, but then eating meat also has it's risks - heart disease, cancer, e. coli. etc - as well as environmental costs.

Going vegan is quite a big step, and most people would benefit from eating a lot less meat.

[metalliqaz]

"most people would benefit from eating a lot less meat."

This is so true, as long as they are replacing it with fruits and vegetables. Many vegans are going to vegan anyway because of the ethical arguments. But holy hell, the western diet is severely lacking in vegetables.

If people ate lots of meat, but mixed with an equal proportion of veggies, they would be a lot healthier. But nobody does. It's highly processed grains and oils. Literally poison. Getting your typical American to simply eat less meat would probably result in a large uptick in consumption of processed corn products. Health would not improve.

[goodpoint]

> the western diet is severely lacking in vegetables

The mediterranean diet has plenty and it is "western". Maybe you mean the american diet?

[metalliqaz]

Perhaps. I don't really know how these terms are defined. However I recall reading that American/British/Australian eating habits have invaded "Mediterranean" areas and are having the same negative effects.

[spicymaki]

Those same bad eating habits have also invaded China with dire consequences.