The main disadvantage of a vegetarian diet is the lack of compounds that are very important for the human body and its metabolism, such as amino acids (methionine, tryptophan and cysteine), iron, calcium, zinc, vitamins D, K, B12, polyunsaturated Omega-3 fatty acids, fiber. A deficiency of important nutrients leads to a sharp refusal of meat and eggs. ICDMC toxicologist, Ph.D., told Pravda.Ru readers about the disadvantages of vegetarianism. Mikhail Kutushov.

Vegetarianism: pros and cons

When switching to plant foods, the following symptoms appear:

• weakness and fatigue,
• problems with memory and concentration,
• disturbances in the functioning of the immune system.

An incorrect diet, not formed according to healthy nutrition standards in order to cover all deficiencies of amino acids and other macroelements, causes many disorders in the body:

• stones in the kidneys,
• inflammation in the intestinal tract and other disorders of its functioning,
• joint diseases and problems with tooth enamel,
• hormonal disorders.

Some vegetarians may eat too many processed foods, which may be high in calories but low in nutrients.

Lack of protein in a vegetarian diet can lead to weakness, fatigue, loss of muscle mass and other health problems. Therefore, it is important to make sure that you eat enough protein foods such as tofu, soy milk, eggs, nuts, seeds and beans. It is also important to consider the quality of the protein – it must contain all the necessary amino acids.

Vegetarians may develop anemia due to lack of iron in the diet. Iron, which is usually obtained through eating meat, is an essential element for the formation of red blood cells.

Too many legumes in the diet is also a problem. Legumes are dangerous because they contain substances such as phytic acid and lectins, which make it difficult to absorb iron. Also, legumes in large quantities cause gas formation and stomach discomfort.

“Vegetarianism is still unprofitable in our latitudes, because it’s cold here. We need fats, saturated fatty acids, lard, butter. We need meat in order to have the energy to fight the cold,” the doctor sums up.