Should vegetarians and vegans perform clinical tests?
To avoid nutritional deficiencies or changes in health status, it is essential to carry out certain clinical tests for those who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet.
A vegetarian or vegan diet, like all dietary patterns, must be properly planned and structured to avoid nutritional deficiencies and repercussions on the general state of health.
The fact that these diets do not include as many (or even none) foods and products of animal origin is one of the reasons why defining a proper food plan is needed. For this to be considered nutritionally adequate, it must take into account the appropriate intake and bioavailability of some nutrients such as protein, essential fatty acids, vitamin B12, vitamin D, iodine, iron, calcium, and zinc, as well as the energy value.
Clinical blood tests are an important complementary means.
The frequency with which you should carry out clinical tests varies according to many factors, including age and general health status, age, the needs of each person, and clinical and family history. Thus, these tests should be performed according to the assessed needs, defined by the attending physician. In a healthy person, a routine blood test should be considered at least once a year.
Recommended blood tests for vegetarians or vegans may include:
Full blood count
It is an analysis that serves to make a quantitative and qualitative assessment of the cells that make up the blood, which are erythrocytes (red blood cells); leukocytes (white blood cells); platelets (thrombocytes).
A full blood count can reveal anemias and provides valuable information about the general nutritional status.
Iron
Iron is an essential mineral for the production of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen through our bodies.
A diet rich in whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and green leafy vegetables should provide adequate iron intake.
Folic acid
A folate test measures the amount of folic acid in the blood. Folic acid is Vitamin B9, which is vital to the production of healthy red blood cells. Folate can be found in foods such as green vegetables, fruit, dry beans, and peas.
Calcium, Magnesium, and Phosphate
These three minerals are vital for many processes in the body, including the regulation of muscle and nerve function, blood glucose (blood sugar levels), blood pressure, and the development, maintenance, and repair of muscles, bones, and teeth.
Vitamin B12
A vitamin B12 deficiency can cause serious health problems, such as nerve damage. There are no plant sources of B12, so supplementation of B12 and regular monitoring of these levels is highly recommended.
Vitamin D
Vital for the growth and health of your bones and the absorption of minerals like calcium, phosphate, and magnesium, our body gets vitamin D from sunlight as well as certain food sources.
Other additional blood tests may make sense, depending on the individual situation.
Consult your treating physician and a nutritionist to ensure you are on a healthy, risk-free diet.
Thordis Berger
Chief Medical Officer - Holmes Place