Vegetarian Nutrition - Potential Nutrient Deficiencies

Potential Nutrient Deficiencies

Poorly planned vegetarian diets may be low in vitamin B₁₂, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, iron, zinc, riboflavin (vitamin B₂), and iodine, and poorly planned vegan diets may have particularly low intakes of vitamin B₁₂ and calcium. Nonetheless, well-balanced vegetarian and vegan diets can meet all these nutrient requirements and are appropriate for all stages of the life cycle, including during pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, and adolescence. Many tools are available to help vegetarians maintain an adequate nutrient balance including several Vegetarian Diet Pyramids.