A study from University of Bristol researchers highlights a potential downside for vegetarians: they showed twice the risk of depression compared to omnivores. The culprit? Deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals. This is the first research linking mental health directly to diets excluding meat and fish.
Analyzing 10,000 male volunteers—including 350 vegetarians and vegans—the team pinpointed key deficiencies. Half of vegans and 7% of vegetarians lacked vitamin B12, crucial for mood regulation. Vegetarians and vegans also consumed high levels of nuts, loaded with pro-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids (unlike anti-inflammatory omega-3s). Excess omega-6 is tied to heart disease, diabetes, and depressive symptoms.
Time to worry? Not if balanced right. With vegetarians a small group in the study, the takeaway is clear: deficiencies and excesses pose risks. A thoughtfully planned vegetarian or vegan diet avoids these pitfalls.
