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From:	Jeff Novick, MS, RD, LD, LN (novick.vegsource.com)
Subject:	Re: Hi Jeff, more...
Date:	October 13, 2007 at 1:06 pm PST

In Reply to: Hi Jeff, more... posted by Tim on October 13, 2007 at 9:42 am:

>>>So where do you see the potential problems in attaining the nutrients needed to thrive on a (low fat) raw vegan diet?

The main potential problems is B12.

The second is real world implementation. While many may do it with great success for a short term, few do it with great success for any length of time. They run into problems including getting in sufficient calories while also getting in sufficient nutrients. (And, i am not going by what they say, but the nutritional analysis of their actual intakes.) They often resort to a diet that is either much higher in fat, or much higher in fruits, either of which will lower the nutrient density of the diet.

Some other nutrients that I have seen others have problems with include zinc, calcium, essential fats (and EPA/DHA) and Vit D.

NOTE: I am not criticizing a raw vegan diet, i am criticizing ALL and any diet(s). :) Most all diets are not adequate regardless of what someone eats or their dietary philosophy. And, adopting a philosophy such as vegan, or vegetarian or raw (or a zone, or S Beach, etc) doesn't atuomatically guarantee nutrient adequacy.

>>What kind of harm (specifically a low fat raw vegan diet)?

Osteoporosis & B12 deficiencies are probably the 2 most common. Erosion of dental enamel is another. As is EFA deficiencies. Failure to thrive in infants/children, usually due to an overly extreme (and/or ignorant) parent(s).

>>Thank you Jeff,

Your welcome.

In health
Jeff

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