Russian nutritionist warns of vegan diet risks for children, elderly and women

Yelena Solomatina warned that the absorption of some nutrients from plant foods is much lower compared with animal products, noting that the protein found in animal sources has higher bioavailability and the human body needs it constantly.

Solomatina explained that protein is the body's basic building block: it is part of muscles, skin, hair, enzymes, blood vessels, joints and the immune system, in addition to other vital functions.

Accordingly, the expert considered the vegan diet not entirely suitable for children, because growing bodies require increasing amounts of protein, and without it children may face increased frequency of illnesses and their bodies may not grow normally.

She also stressed that the complete abandonment of animal products may pose a particular danger to the elderly, because their protein needs increase with age, and protein deficiency may raise the risks of fractures and loss of muscle mass (sarcopenia).

She added that the vegan diet may also harm the health of women of childbearing age, because they are more susceptible to iron deficiency, and iron absorption from meat is better, which can lead to anemia and, in severe cases, may cause miscarriage or congenital malformations.

These warnings were reported by media outlets that conveyed the expert's statements.