Research for vegans

Vegan diet, although considered healthy and balanced, requires strategic supplementation and regular monitoring of essential components. The elimination of zoonotic products involves controlling those elements that are unavailable or less assimilated in a plant-based diet. Regular laboratory diagnosis is important for the early detection and prevention of deficits that could lead to serious health consequences, including:

• anaemia
• osteoporosis
• cardiovascular diseases
• neurological disorders

What research should vegans do?

About 80% of the health problems associated with a vegan diet are due to deficiencies in the required ingredients. Therefore research package for vegans focuses primarily on the following parameters:

1. Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)

Purpose of the study - Vitamin B12 is essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system and blood-forming processes (prevents megaloblastic anaemia). As it occurs naturally almost exclusively in zoonotic products, its supplementation and control in vegans is absolutely critical.

2. Holotranscobalamin (HoloTC) or homocysteine

Purpose of the study - These are more sensitive markers of B12 deficiency than cobalamin alone.

• Homocysteine is an amino acid, elevated levels of which are often a signal of B12 or folic acid (B9) deficiency. High homocysteine is also a factor risk of cardiovascular disease.

3. Iron and ferritin

Purpose of the study - In a plant-based diet, iron occurs as non-haem iron, which is more difficult to absorb than haem iron from meat.

• Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in the body. Testing its levels allows an assessment of actual iron stores before full-blown anaemia develops.

4. Vitamin D

Purpose of the study - Although vitamin D deficiency is common regardless of diet (due to low sun exposure), it determines the the health of our bones and immunity. In vegans, the elimination of fish and dairy as food sources raises the need for its monitoring and supplementation.

5. Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA)

Purpose of the study - as the main sources (fish) are excluded, assessment of omega-3 fatty acid levels is crucial for heart and brain health. Supplementation should be based on algae.

Additional blood tests for vegans

To get the full picture of health, research package for vegans is usually supplemented by an additional blood diagnostics:

• Peripheral blood morphology - a basic parameter to assess general health and give a preliminary indication of possible anaemia.
• TSH - testing the function of the thyroid gland, which is an important metabolic regulator.
• Lipidogram (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides) - although vegans often have a lower risk of atherosclerosis, control is important to assess overall cardiovascular risk.

Why is it important to do research for vegans?

The above research is for anyone following a plant-based diet who wants to consciously look after their health and be sure of the supply of essential nutrients. Investigations are particularly recommended when non-specific symptoms appear that may indicate developing nutritional deficits, such as:

• chronic fatigue
• dizziness
• problems with concentration
• excessive hair loss
• nail brittleness.

In order to enjoy long-term health at vegan diet, necessary regular examinations. They enable informed management and effective supplementation.