Update of the DGE position on vegan diet
- 24.02.2025
- English Articles
- Alessa Klug
- Janett Barbaresko
- Ute Alexy
- et al.
Position statement of the German Nutrition Society (DGE)
Introduction
The German Nutrition Society (DGE) generally recommends a diet consisting of a large proportion of foods of plant origin that is supplemented by foods of animal origin. It is important that the choice of food ensures a sufficient supply of nutrients. Plant-based diets are more sustainable to the environment and the climate than the usual diet in Germany, and also beneficial for health [1].
The German Nutrition Society (DGE) generally recommends a diet consisting of a large proportion of foods of plant origin that is supplemented by foods of animal origin. It is important that the choice of food ensures a sufficient supply of nutrients. Plant-based diets are more sustainable to the environment and the climate than the usual diet in Germany, and also beneficial for health [1]. The DGE position statements on a vegan diet from 2016 [2] and 2020 [3] were formulated with a focus on nutrient supply. In the DGE position statement from 2016, the DGE concluded that following a vegan diet an adequate supply of nutrients without supplementation of (potentially) critical nutrients is not possible or only possible with difficulties. For adults who wish to follow a vegan diet, the DGE has derived recommendations for the implementation of a nutrient-adequate vegan diet. In the position statement from 2016, the DGE pointed out that the risk of nutrient deficiencies, and thus health problems, are increased. Therefore a vegan diet was not recommended for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, children and adolescents. The update to the position for population groups with special nutritional requirements i.e. children from infancy through the entire growth phase to adolescents, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers published in 2020 [3] re-evaluated the available evidence on vegan diet and nutrient adequacy. The DGE position on vegan diets for these groups remained unchanged due to continuing insufficient data. It was also stated that healthcare professionals should draw attention to the risks of a vegan diet, point out options for action and offer the best possible support in implementing a nutrient-adequate vegan diet [3].
Abstract
This update of the DGE position statement on vegan diet evaluates new data on the health effects of a vegan diet. Additionally, and as an expansion of the former position statements, scientific literature regarding the effects on other target dimensions of a more sustainable diet (environment, animal welfare and social aspects) was examined. To identify relevant publications, an umbrella review and an additional systematic review were carried out. If necessary, further publications were considered. However, the existing approaches for assessing the impact of vegan diets on animal welfare and social aspects are not yet well-established, or comprehensively applied, so these were not included.
A vegan diet has been found to have potential advantages and disadvantages for health compared to other diets. For the general population, a vegan diet, like other diets, can be health-promoting, provided that vitamin B12 is supplemented, the food selection is balanced and well-planned, and the nutrient requirements of potentially critical nutrients are sufficiently covered (possibly also via further nutrient supplements).
For vulnerable groups, i.e. children, adolescents, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and elderly people, the DGE cannot make a clear recommendation either in favour of or against a vegan diet due to limited available data. Due to the risk of potential, possibly irreversible consequences if not implemented properly, vegan diets in vulnerable groups require particularly well-founded nutritional knowledge. Therefore, for these groups nutritional counselling by qualified specialists is strongly recommended for adequate implementation.
A vegan diet is particularly environmentally friendly and is a recommended measure to reduce the environmental impact of food systems. Taking into account both health and environmental aspects, a diet with a significant reduction in animal-based foods is recommended.
