Veganism, Clinical Findings and Investigations

Abstract

Clinical examinations and ancillary investigations were carried out on 26 vegans and 21 control omnivores. 1) The vegans were found to be lighter in weight than the omnivores. 2) There was no significant difference in the clinical states of the vegans and omnivores. 3) The mean serum B₁₂ level was lower in the vegans (236 pg/ml) than in the controls (441 pg/ml). 4) The mean serum folate level was higher for vegans (14.1 ng/ml) than for the controls (5.2 ng/ml). 5) The mean plasma urea levels were within normal limits but 7 of 22 controls had urea levels of 40 mg/100 ml or over as compared to 2 of the 26 vegans. 6) The mean male vegan serum cholesterol was lower (181 mg/l00 ml) than that of the mean male control level (240 mg/100 ml), but there was no difference between the female mean levels. 7) Six vegans had serum bilirubins of more than 0.8 as compared with one control.