There are certain specific nutrients that are more difficult, but not impossible, to obtain in a vegan diet. Of particular concern are vitamin B12, calcium, iron and Vitamin D. Also, vegetarians/vegans need to make sure they eat a variety of protein-rich vegetables to get a full compliment of amino acids. As long as you pay attention to getting proper nutrition, there's no evidence that being a vegan is harmful.

There are no health drawbacks if you diligently ensure that you are eating a proper balanced meal every day, with enough protein compliments and vitamins (particularly b12). I find that to be hard work. B12 does not occur naturally in vegetables and grains. There is debate that the b12 in fermented vegetables and beverages is somehow different than the b12 in animal products. Since b12 is necessary for brain function -- make sure you take responsibility to get the proper level of that. If you are living on a vegan diet, I recommend making your own fermented foods. So much from the grocery store is processed, pastuerized, irradiated, etc... I wouldn't trust them to contain any beneficial nutrients other than fibre. I was vegan for years, but my doctor convinced me to eat animal products occasionally -- mostly due to this question about b12. In Chinese medicine, animal products are considered to contain "heat" -- this has no meaning in western medicine, but in the Chinese understanding of "balance" most Chinese doctors would say you should have some animal products in your diet because avoiding them altogether is just not "balanced", and so will lead to inblances in your own health or mind. In India, vegan diets are rare, though more than 1/2 of Indians are vegetarian. They get their b12's from dairy and fermented dairy products, which are essential ingredients of many recipes.

None! When carefully balanced, a vegan diet is the best possible diet! Check out the podcast at compassionatecooks.com for more info!

This video will clarify some of the myths, however if you need living proof then, click on this http://www.youtube.com/v/eZwmluSn_T0

First, being pasty, gaunt, and self-righteous is no way to go through life. Second, it is extremely difficult to get the protein and balance you need without simultaneously ingesting too many (fat) calories.

consult your DOCTOR

I heard it makes you drag your butt on the carpet, but maybe she was just a freak & that had nothing to do with being a vegan. She told a lot of other lies, so who knows!