Disadvantages of a vegetarian diet

When discussing disadvantages of a vegetarian diet, we have to remember that we can't talk about vegetarianism in general. Its diets are too diversified and while many of them have some flaws, they aren't “disadvantages” necessarily. They are connected to the specific diets, mostly to fruitarian and vegan ones. LOV (lacto-ovo) or semi-vegetarianism do not pose any significant dangers.

Fruitarians

The main disadvantages of a vegetarian diet of this kind are inadequate nutrient intake and difficulties in coping with other possible deficiencies. It is easy not to get enough nutrients without even noticing it at first. This can be especially dangerous for people who move a lot, do lots of physical exercise or generally need a lot of calories just to keep going. Another common fruitarian problem is linked to the fact that this type of a vegetarian diet excludes a lot of products from your diet. If you notice some deficiency, it may be quite difficult to fight it without quitting fruitarian diet entirely or taking food supplements.

Vegans

The most common disadvantages of a vegetarian diet in its strict vegan form are the various deficiencies: B12 vitamin, Iron and Calcium are the most common elements missing in this kind of a vegetarian diet. Fortunately, these problems can be fought within most vegan diets, providing that you understand that a vegan diet is not an omnivorous one without meat. You will probably need a lot substitutes of meat (soya alone might not be enough) as well as some vitamin supplements to achieve the fully balanced diet.