Vegetarianism - Its health-promoting potential and its health risks

Different forms of vegetarianism and their potential benefits along with risks involved are discussed. The more restricted the range of foods eaten, the higher is the risk of potential nutritional inadequacies. One of the potential risks of plant-based diets is an inadequate supply of iron. Another potential risk of vegetarian diets is an inadequate vitamin B₁₂ supply. The study of the German Vegan Study indicate that cobalamin plasma concentrations decrease with time following a vegan diet. Vegetarian diet make an important contribution to the prevention of diseases that are related to nutrition, such as a number of 'Western' diseases.