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Abstract:
This update of the DGE position statement on vegan diet evaluates new data on the health effects of a vegan diet. Additionally, and as an expansion of the former position statements, scientific literature regarding the effects on other target dimensions of a more sustainable diet (environment, animal welfare and social aspects) was examined. To identify relevant publications, an umbrella review and an additional systematic review were carried out. If necessary, further publications were considered. However, the existing approaches for assessing the impact of vegan diets on animal welfare and social aspects are not yet well-established, or comprehensively applied, so these were not included.
A vegan diet has been found to have potential advantages and disadvantages for health compared to other diets. For the general population, a vegan diet, like other diets, can be health-promoting, provided that vitamin B12 is supplemented, the food selection is balanced and well-planned, and the nutrient requirements of potentially critical nutrients are sufficiently covered (possibly also via further nutrient supplements).
For vulnerable groups, i.e. children, adolescents, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and elderly people, the DGE cannot make a clear recommendation either in favour of or against a vegan diet due to limited available data. Due to the risk of potential, possibly irreversible consequences if not implemented properly, vegan diets in vulnerable groups require particularly well-founded nutritional knowledge. Therefore, for these groups nutritional counselling by qualified specialists is strongly recommended for adequate implementation.
A vegan diet is particularly environmentally friendly and is a recommended measure to reduce the environmental impact of food systems.
Taking into account both health and environmental aspects, a diet with a significant reduction in animal-based foods is recommended.
