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by incision 4399 days ago
My anecdotal experience as a lifelong (since birth) lacto-ovo vegetarian leads me to think there's something to this.

I can't speak to the conclusions exactly, but the reasoning - dietary deficiencies - rings true to me. I've experienced dramatic results from supplementing with creatine, choline, zinc and omega 3s. The fact that this article cites so many of things I've come to independent conclusions about seems worthy of consideration.

One thing I'd be really curious about with regard to any correlation between vegan/vegetarianism and mental health issues is simply which came first. Again anecdotally, I've met a lot of vegatarian converts - many for whom I'd wager food is just one manifestation of an existing neurosis.
1 comments
hoggle 4399 days ago
I've been vegetarian / vegan for almost 10 years myself and get my vitamin b12 levels checked regularly. A lot of meat eaters actually have low vitamin b12 levels too because of lower intrinsic factor (gut ability to absorb b12) caused by age or distinct genetic setup. Omega 3 is also something I keep in check with 2-3 table spoons of ground flax-seeds a day. Flax oil is a good source of omega 3 as well but much more difficult to handle because it needs to be fresh, cooled and consumed relatively quickly.

Be aware that a vitamin b12 deficiency often happens without symptoms, also meeting the lower threshold of acceptable levels doesn't mean you have got enough of it.

I would advise everyone but especially those on a vegan diet to get their vitamin b12 levels checked regularly. Take your supplements! Don't ruin your brains!

Check out this very informative video by Michael Greger - vegetarian / vegan himself, he has debunked a lot of myths around proper veg diet some 12 years ago (yes the video is pretty long - so what it's your health that is at stake here):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7KeRwdIH04

Also good books on the topic:

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/541482.The_New_Becoming_V...

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48307.Becoming_Vegan

Don't be a pudding veggie, be informed and healthy!

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