According to food trend analysts, veganism was the number one food trend in 2020. Veganism is a way of living that avoids any products derived from animals. When it comes to the diet, this means avoiding consuming all animal products, including meat, poultry, dairy, eggs, seafood, and even honey. Veganism can also be used to practice sustainability, as animal agriculture produces higher levels of carbon emissions. Although veganism may be the most practical choice for someone with these beliefs, the risks of this diet are significant to consider.
By: Sunny Streep
Because veganism avoids all animal products, it requires a sense of rigidity that can open the door to disordered eating behaviors. Even more, veganism can be used to mask restriction, where it is used as justification for limited dietary choices, strict food rules, and lower calorie intake.
Potential Parallels
A vegan is vigilant in their food choices; they check ingredient lists, make substitutions, avoid certain restaurants, and bring their own food to gatherings to avoid animal products. Anorexia Nervosa, for example, is similarly vigilant, checking, avoiding, substituting, and controlling. Whether it be for the same ethical reasons or not, the process of avoidance draws parallels. Therefore, veganism can become a gateway towards obsessive preoccupation with food choices or maintaining control within existing eating disorders.
Nutritional Risks
In addition to its influence on disordered eating, veganism may put individuals at risk for serious nutrient deficiencies. Animal products are not only rich in vitamins and minerals, but they are also a great source of protein for the body. Removing them from the diet without proper supplementation increases the risk of nutrient deficiencies with serious health consequences.
When adopting a vegan diet, paying attention to certain nutrients that are not as plentiful in plant-based foods is important. This includes protein, iron, calcium, zinc, vitamin B12, and Omega 3 fatty acids. Zinc is one of the most common deficiencies seen among vegans, as it is relatively low in all plant-based foods. Almost half (47%) of the vegan population has zinc inadequacy, compared to only 10% of the omnivore population.² Vitamin B12 deficiency is also common among vegans, as there is virtually no vitamin B12 in plant-based foods. A deficiency in either zinc or B12 can have serious psychiatric effects such as depression, schizophrenia, psychosis, changes in personality, and memory problems.³,⁴
Some nutrients may appear high in plant-based foods, but have low absorption rates. This is called low bioavailability and refers to the percentage of a nutrient that the body can absorb and use. Iron, for example, is found in two forms: heme and non-heme. Heme iron is more easily absorbed into the body, but it is only found in animal products such as red meat and shellfish. Plant-based foods only have the non-heme iron form, which is more difficult for the body to absorb.
Whether due to low bioavailability or inadequate levels, vegans must make a concerted effort to avoid nutrient deficiencies. It is possible to eat a larger volume of these foods, but this can lead to GI discomfort for some individuals. In that case, supplementation might be necessary.
Overall, veganism can be a tricky path to navigate on your own. The first step is asking yourself the intention behind your behaviors and identifying if there is an underlying desire for control. If you or a loved one are experiencing disordered eating and are vegan, there are treatment options for you.
At BALANCE eating disorder treatment center™, we understand the complexities of eating disorders and provide you with comprehensive and necessary tools to help you on your recovery journey. To this end, we work closely with each client to better understand the spiritual and ethical frameworks that determine their food preferences. Within the safety of a supportive environment, we then reasonably accommodate those preferences while encouraging clients to gently increase food variety and scope. We honor our clients’ religious and philosophical backgrounds. Vegan, vegetarian, and kosher eating patterns are accommodated on a case-by-case basis.
Our admissions team would be glad to answer any questions you may have about our programs and services and how we can help you on your recovery journey. Book a free consultation call with our admissions team below, or read more about our philosophy here.
This post was written by BALANCE Dietetic Intern, Sunny Streep (she/her).
Sunny is a graduate student at New York University receiving a Master’s degree in Clinical Nutrition. After moving to NYC to pursue a career in professional dance, she became passionate about nutrition and mental health awareness. With her degree, Sunny hopes to educate on the connection between physical and emotional health, and is committed to supporting clients on their journey to recovery.
References
- Definition of veganism. The Vegan Society. Accessed December 8, 2021. https://www.vegansociety.com/go-vegan/definition-veganism
- Schüpbach R, Wegmüller R, Berguerand C, Bui M, Herter-Aeberli I. Micronutrient status and intake in omnivores, vegetarians and vegans in Switzerland. Eur J Nutr. 2017;56(1):283-293. doi:10.1007/s00394-015-1079-7
- Lachner C, Steinle NI, Regenold WT. The Neuropsychiatry of Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Elderly Patients. J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2012;24(1):5-15. doi:10.1176/appi.neuropsych.11020052
- Gibson RS, Heath ALM, Szymlek-Gay EA. Is iron and zinc nutrition a concern for vegetarian infants and young children in industrialized countries? Am J Clin Nutr. 2014;100(suppl_1):459S-468S. doi:10.3945/ajcn.113.071241
