She ' s on medication and can ' t read at the moment . She has previously been able to read and will likely regain the ability to do so in the future . <| sep |> You have anecdotes that veganism isn ' t healthy , which isn ' t really good evidence . All the major dietetics and health organizations in the world agree that vegan and vegetarian diets are just as healthy as omnivorous diets . Here are links to what some of them have to say on the subjectAmerican Dietetic Association It is the position of the American Dietetic Association that appropriately planned vegetarian diets , including total vegetarian or vegan diets , are healthful , nutritionally adequate , and may provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases . Wellplanned vegetarian diets are appropriate for individuals during all stages of the life cycle , including pregnancy , lactation , infancy , childhood , and adolescence , and for athletes . Dietitians of C a n a d a R e s o u r c e s A Z F a c t s h e e t s V e g e t a r i a n EatingGuidelinesforVegans . aspx A well planned vegan diet can meet all of these needs . It is safe and healthy for pregnant and breastfeeding women , babies , children , teens and seniors . The British National Health Service With good planning and an understanding of what makes up a healthy , balanced vegan diet , you can get all the nutrients your body needs . The British Nutrition Foundationnutrition A wellplanned , balanced vegetarian or vegan diet can be nutritionally adequate . Studies of UK vegetarian and vegan children have revealed that their growth and development are within the normal range . The Dietitians Association of A u s t r a l i a t h e p u b l i c s m a r t e a t i n g f o ryounutritionazvegandiets Vegan diets are a type of vegetarian diet , where only plantbased foods are eaten . They differ to other vegetarian diets in that no animal products are usually consumed or used . Despite these restrictions , with good planning it is still possible to obtain all the nutrients required for good health on a vegan diet . The United States Department of Agriculturevegetarians Vegetarian diets see context can meet all the recommendations for nutrients . The key is to consume a variety of foods and the right amount of foods to meet your calorie needs . Follow the food group recommendations for your age , sex , and activity level to get the right amount of food and the variety of foods needed for nutrient adequacy . Nutrients that vegetarians may need to focus on include protein , iron , calcium , zinc , and vitamin B 12 . The National Health and Medical Research Councilpublicationsn 55 Alternatives to animal foods include nuts , seeds , legumes , beans and tofu . For all Australians , these foods increase dietary variety and can provide a valuable , affordable source of protein and other nutrients found in meats . These foods are also particularly important for those who follow vegetarian or vegan dietary patterns . Australians following a vegetarian diet can still meet nutrient requirements if energy needs are met and the appropriate number and variety of serves from the Five Food Groups are eaten throughout the day . For those eating a vegan diet , supplementation of B 12 is recommended . The Mayo C l i n i c l i v i n g n u t r i t i o n a n d h e a l t h y e a t i n gindepthvegetariandietart 20046446 A wellplanned vegetarian diet see context can meet the needs of people of all ages , including children , teenagers , and pregnant or breastfeeding women . The key is to be aware of your nutritional needs so that you plan a diet that meets them . The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada Vegetarian diets see context can provide all the nutrients you need at any age , as well as some additional health benefits . Harvard Medical S c h o o l h ealthybecomingavegetarian Traditionally , research into vegetarianism focused mainly on potential nutritional deficiencies , but in recent years , the pendulum has swung the other way , and studies are confirming the health benefits of meatfree eating . Nowadays , plantbased eating is recognized as not only nutritionally sufficient but also as a way to reduce the risk for many chronic illnesses .