Vegan diet could be putting IQ of the next generation at risk, warns expert
VEGAN diets could be putting the intelligence of the next generation at risk, a nutritionist has warned.
The growing fad for ‘plant-based’ diets risks creating mass deficiency in choline – a nutrient which is critical to brain development.
Choline – which is found in meat, fish, eggs and dairy products – is particularly important during pregnancy, when it contributes to the healthy growth of a baby’s brain.
Food expert Dr Emma Derbyshire warned of the ‘unintended consequences’ of moving away from diets based on meat and dairy.
‘The mounting evidence of choline’s importance makes it essential that it does not continue to be overlooked,’ she added.
Writing in the BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health journal, she said: ‘This is now more important than ever given that accelerated food trends towards plantbased diets or veganism could have further ramifications on choline intake.’
She last night said those following a vegan diet risk dulling the brain power of the next generation, adding: ‘Plant-based diets are great and brilliant for the environment.
‘But in terms of reducing intake of choline – which is vital for foetal brain development – no-one had given it much thought.’
Dr Derbyshire added: ‘The train is moving so fast, and more people are ditching meat and eggs. But it could leave many women of childbearing age deficient in this key nutrient.’
Choline is also produced by the liver, but not in high enough quantities to meet the everyday requirements of the human body. Additional choline must therefore be obtained through dietary sources, said Dr Derbyshire, a UK public health nutritionist.
She explained: ‘Given the important physiological roles of choline and authorisation of certain health claims, it is questionable why choline has been overlooked for so long.
‘If choline is not obtained in the levels needed from dietary sources... supplementation strategies will be required, especially in relation to key stages of the life cycle, such as pregnancy, when choline intakes are critical to infant development.’
The recommended minimum daily intakes of choline is 425mg per day for women and 550mg for men. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should have around 550mg per day.