Too often, though, they have a false sense of security and mistake vegetarianism as a prevention or cure for disease. They may become less careful about other routine but necessary medical care practices. Both vegetarian and nonvegetarian diets can be either good or bad for your health. Sound nutrition planning is needed for both diets. Good planning can reduce the risk of certain diseases.
Poor planning can increase the risk of certain diseases.
A vegetarian diet can be a nutritionally balanced diet. This balance requires a good knowledge of food composition and principles. The diet must have enough calories to maintain a desirable body weight, particularly in children. It must also have a good balance throughout the day of the essential amino acids to equal the complete protein found in animal foods. A vegetarian diet also needs to supply adequate sources of calcium, riboflavin, iron, and vitamins A, D, and B12.