Meat eaters who sign up to Veganuary may be putting their health at risk by losing essential vitamins and minerals

By joining Veganuary, meat eaters may be putting their health at risk by losing important vitamins and minerals.

Many people think that a poorly planned transition to a vegan diet in January can do no harm since it only lasts four weeks.

But a study that monitored the diets of people who participated in Veganuary in two different years found that meat-eaters saw significant drops in their vitamin B12 and iodine levels when they didn’t take supplements.

Iodine – important for the brain development of unborn children – is added to cow’s milk and is therefore found in dairy products, but also in eggs and various seafood.

Meanwhile, a deficiency of vitamin B12, which is only found in animal products, has been linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and temporary infertility.

A study that examined the diets of people who participated in Veganuary in two different years found that meat eaters saw a significant decrease in their vitamin B12 and iodine levels when they didn’t take supplements (stock photo)

The new study, which involved 154 people and was published in the journal Nutrients, found that meat-eaters who went vegan in January also lowered their cholesterol and saturated fat levels, which can reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease and help them lose weight. .

But the researchers conclude that people doing Veganuary should plan their diet carefully and risk missing out on key nutrients if they simply opt for convenient vegan dairy and meat substitutes.

Dr Simon Welham, lead author of the study from the University of Nottingham, said: “Veganism can be perfectly healthy if followed sensibly, but otherwise it can have an impact on people’s nutritional levels after just one month.”

“It is important that people who switch to vegan milk, for example, check whether it is fortified with iodine or try to buy foods that contain iodine, such as iodized salt.”

“Plant milk and some breakfast cereals may also contain vitamin B12.”

“There are people who sign up for this month-long lifestyle change, don’t put much effort into thinking about it, and may rely too heavily on processed vegan alternative foods that lack nutrients.”

“Based on this research, we recommend that they check the label, especially for things like iodine, which is added to some plant-based dairy products.”

The new study found that meat eaters who went vegan in January also lowered their cholesterol and saturated fat levels (stock photo)

The study examined meat eaters and vegetarians aged 18 to 60 who signed up for Veganuary and compared them to vegans, vegetarians and meat eaters who continued to eat a normal diet.

It was calculated that meat eaters who did Veganuary saw a tenfold increase in their cholesterol levels, but also a significant reduction in their iodine levels.

The TV nutritionist Dr. Commenting on the study, Carrie Ruxton said: “Switching to a vegan diet requires careful preparation as animal foods are rich in several essential nutrients, particularly vitamin B12, iodine, iron, zinc and selenium.”

“Instead of struggling with a nutritionally balanced vegan diet for four weeks, Britons can make practical longer-term changes to their existing diet by eating more whole grains, aiming for five daily portions of fruit and vegetables and preparing meals at home eat.” reduce. on sweets, snacks and soft drinks.’