Viva! responds to misleading Telegraph article on vegan nutrition
Here we go again. The Telegraph’s latest attack on vegan diets repeats familiar claims about nutrient deficiencies, brain health and bone health – while overlooking the growing body of evidence showing the benefits of well-planned plant-based eating.
The article offers some sound advice, such as taking a B12 supplement, choosing fortified plant milks and including protein-rich foods. But it also relies heavily on outdated and misleading claims. For example, the suggestion that a “palm-sized portion of meat easily provides a day’s vitamin B12” is not universally true, and ignores the fact that many farmed animals themselves receive B12 supplementation.
The article cites potential shortfalls in nutrients such as B12, iron, calcium, vitamin D and omega-3, but fails to mention that vegan diets are typically higher in fibre, folate, magnesium, potassium, vitamin C, non-haem iron and antioxidants than meat-based diets. This may help explain why well-planned vegan diets are associated with lower risks of conditions including heart disease, obesity and type 2 diabetes.
A major concern is the choice of expert commentary. While plant-based dietitian Hazel Clarke receives only brief mention, Dr Carrie Ruxton is given significant space despite her long-standing links with the meat and food industries. Ruxton has advised industry-funded groups including the Meat Advisory Panel and has publicly challenged the strength of evidence linking red and processed meat with cancer.
When discussing vegan nutrition, journalism should include experts who specialise in plant-based diets – not simply voices with industry connections. Transparency is essential for fair reporting.
Many qualified experts could provide a balanced perspective, including the health experts at Plant-Based Health Professionals UK and Dr Michael Greger. I have also spent more than 20 years researching and writing about vegan nutrition and would welcome the opportunity for a more accurate, evidence-based discussion.
A balanced vegan diet is not difficult – and Viva!’s Vegan Eatwell Plate shows exactly what that looks like.
About the author
Dr. Justine Butler
Justine joined Viva! in 2005 after graduating from Bristol University with a PhD in molecular biology. After working as a campaigner, then researcher and writer, she is now Viva!’s head of research and her work focuses on animals, the environment and health. Justine’s scientific training helps her research and write both in-depth scientific reports, such as White Lies and the Meat Report, as well as easy-to-read factsheets and myth-busting articles for consumer magazines and updates on the latest research. Justine also recently wrote the Vegan for the Planet guide for Viva!’s Vegan Now campaign.
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