Debunking the Vegan Health Myth: The Hidden Dangers of Convenience-Based Vegan Diets

Vegans are often perceived as health-conscious by the public and themselves. However, a study from the Centre for Public Health reveals that there might be a gap between perception and reality. While many vegans tend to exercise more than the average person, the prevalent consumption of processed foods among them may not be as healthy as believed. The findings were recently published in the scientific journal "Nutrients."

Maria Wakolbinger and Sandra Haider, researchers at MedUni Vienna's Centre for Public Health, led a research group that conducted an online survey of 516 vegans, with an average age of 28, who had followed a vegan diet for at least three months. The survey results highlighted that "being vegan is not inherently synonymous with being 'healthy'," as stated by study director Maria Wakolbinger. Although the benefits of plant-based diets are well-established in science, it's crucial to consider the extent of food processing when evaluating a vegan diet's health impact.

Two distinct dietary patterns emerged in the vegan lifestyle: "health-conscious" and "convenience." Vegans with a convenience-based diet quality (53%) consumed more processed meat and fish alternatives, vegan savory snacks, sauces, cakes, sweets, convenience foods, fruit juices, and refined grains. Maria Wakolbinger emphasizes the negative health effects of processed foods, as supported by numerous studies. Individuals who primarily consume convenience foods face increased risks of overall mortality (29%), overweight or obesity (up to 51%), cardiovascular diseases (29%), and type 2 diabetes mellitus (74%).

In contrast, health-conscious vegans (47%) consumed more vegetables, fruits, protein and milk alternatives, potatoes, whole grains, vegetable oils, fats, and frequently cooked with fresh ingredients.

The study also found variations in physical activity among the vegan population. Overall, vegans had higher activity levels than the average Austrian population. However, health-conscious vegans were significantly more active than those following a convenience food pattern, explains first author Sandra Haider.

The term "pudding vegetarianism" describes an unhealthy vegetarian diet that favors sweets over meat. Similarly, the convenience dietary pattern identified in this study could be called "pudding veganism." Maria Wakolbinger and Sandra Haider aim to raise awareness about the booming market for ultra-processed meat and dairy substitutes, which generate an annual turnover of 1.7 billion Euros in Europe. 

Reference: Haider S, Sima A, Kühn T, Wakolbinger M. The association between vegan dietary patterns and physical activity—A cross-sectional online survey. Nutrients. 2023;15(8):1847. doi: 10.3390/nu15081847

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