If you were providing nutritional guidance to someone who identified himself or herself as a vegetarian, why would it be important to know what type of vegetarian diet the person had chosen?

Answer 1

Today many "vegetarians" consume dairy products and eggs and are called lacto-ovo-vegetarians. Alternatively, lactovegetarians include dairy products, but not eggs, in their diets. Vegetarians who avoid all animal products are referred to as vegans. In general, a well-balanced lacto-ovo- or lactovegetarian diet can easily provide adequate protein, energy, and micronutrients. Dairy products and eggs are convenient sources of high-quality protein and many vitamins and minerals. However, because meat is often the primary source of bioavailable iron, eliminating it can lead to iron deficiency. Furthermore, vegans may be at increased risk of being deficient in several micronutrients, including calcium, zinc, iron, and vitamin B12 . This risk is increased further during pregnancy, lactation, and periods of growth and development such as infancy and adolescence.