Vegan Mainstream Advocates for Change

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Joseph V. Madia, MD By:

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Add Omega-3 and B-12 to diets to protect heart

April 11, 2011

(dailyRx News) Like the big shrimp they are trying to avoid, vegan mainstream is becoming a new oxymoron.

Even boxer Mike Tyson came out as a pigeon loving vegan this year, landing him a gig on The Animal Planet TV show.

Dr. Duo Li reviewed an exhaustive number of articles concerning the biochemistry of vegetarians and vegans and has reached a recommendation: 'Iron Mike' and the vegan gang should add Omega-3 and B-12 to their diet.

"Vegans need to add Omega-3 and B-12 to their diet."

A vegan diet , a strictly committed vegetarian one with no animal products at all, seems to be risking developing blood clots and atherosclerosis.

It is well documented that meat eaters are at higher risk for cardiovascular disease than vegans, but vegans can lower their risk even more by adding more iron, zinc, vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids to their diet.

Because of their deficits of these nutrients, vegans sometimes have lower levels of HDL and higher blood levels of homocysteine, both of which are risk factors in cardiovascular disease. These conditions can and sometimes do lead to heart attacks and stroke.

Milk, fatty fish and walnuts are great sources of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B12. 

According to Dr. Li, vegans should probably add vitamins to their diet.

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Review Date: 
April 7, 2011

Last Updated:
April 11, 2011