The ADA, the world´s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals, said in their latest position paper that vegan diets are safe for all stages of the life cycle. Here are the opening words in their review:
"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. Well-planned vegetarian diets are appropriate for individuals during all stages of the life cycle, including pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, and adolescence, and for athletes."
In addition to this, the ADA also states that scientific studies show that vegetarians appear to be slimmer, have lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels and lower rates of hypertension and type 2 diabetes than non-vegetarians.
*January 2012, the ADA changed its name to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.