Vegetarians are more susceptible to psychological and physical illnesses than individuals whose diet includes meat, and they are twice as prone to depression as omnivores, according to a study by British scientists from the University of Bristol, the results of which were published in the Journal of Affective Disorders.
The study was conducted on 10,000 respondents, among whom were 350 vegetarians and vegans. It showed that the cause is a deficiency of certain vitamins and minerals in vegetarians, which negatively affects their mental health.
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Most commonly, this involves a deficiency of iron and vitamin B12. About seven percent of vegetarians and 50 percent of vegans suffer from a deficiency of this vitamin, and the longer a person is a vegetarian or vegan, the greater the risk.
The survey also showed that respondents, both vegetarians and vegans, consume a higher amount of Brazil nuts rich in omega-6 fatty acids, which scientists also associate with the potential for mental health issues. Unlike omega-3 fatty acids found in sardines or salmon, which prevent inflammatory processes and dissolve blood clots, omega-6 does the opposite, promoting both.
Vitamin Deficiency Causes Fatigue
Vitamin B12 or cobalamin is one of the eight vitamins in the B group and, like other vitamins in this complex, is water-soluble. It is essential for our body for the proper functioning and health of nerve tissue, brain cells, and red blood cells.
Together with folic acid, it participates in the synthesis of DNA and RNA, the genetic material of the body. It is necessary for the metabolism of every cell in the body and also participates in the synthesis of fatty acids and energy production. By helping the body absorb folic acid, it facilitates the release of energy. Vitamin B12 is also beneficial for mood, memory, skin, hair, nails, digestion, and for preventing anemia.
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Individuals with a documented deficiency of this vitamin often feel fatigued. Cobalamin positively affects mood, acting as a protection against depression, remind British scientists.
Earlier studies revealed a deficiency of vitamin B12 in as many as 30 percent of individuals hospitalized for depression, and doctors believe the number is even higher considering that testing for the level of this vitamin in the body is not a standard procedure in the treatment of mental patients.
One of the main roles of vitamin B12 is converting the food we consume into energy. It is found in numerous animal-derived foods and in smaller amounts in milk and eggs. Therefore, vegetarians and vegans are advised to take vitamin B12 supplements to ensure their brains function well and to avoid the development of anemia.
Danger Also Lurks from Excess Omega-6 Fatty Acids
The survey also showed that respondents, both vegetarians and vegans, consume a higher amount of Brazil nuts rich in omega-6 fatty acids, which scientists also associate with the potential for mental health issues. Unlike omega-3 fatty acids found in sardines or salmon, which prevent inflammatory processes and dissolve blood clots, omega-6 does the opposite, promoting both.
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Inflammatory processes and the ability to clot blood are important functions in the body if we are injured or have a wound, but inflammation must be stopped once the wound heals. The relationship between omega-6 and omega-3 is very sensitive and requires mutual balance. Excessive intake of omega-6, for example through grains, margarine, and vegetable oils, leads to chronic inflammatory conditions in a large part of the population in Western countries, contributing to the development of cardiovascular diseases.
Earlier research has shown that some vegetarians lack not only vitamin B12 but also iron, calcium, vitamin D, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids because they have not sufficiently informed themselves about the nutritional values of the foods they consume or those they do not consume.
