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The fact is, as hundreds of millions of healthy vegetarians around the world demonstrate, it is very easy to have a well-balanced diet with vegetarian foods. Any normal variety of plant foods provides more than enough protein for the body's needs. Many dark green leafy vegetables and beans are loaded with calcium, and some orange juices and cereals are calcium-fortified. In cultures with plant-based diets, the microorganisms that produce B12 grow in the soil and cling to root vegetables, and traditional Asian miso and tempeh contain large amounts of the vitamin. Good sources include all common multiple vitamins (including vegetarian vitamins), fortified cereals, and fortified soymilk.
During pregnancy, nutritional needs increase. The American Dietetic Association has found vegan diets adequate for fulfilling nutritional needs during pregnancy, but pregnant women and nursing mothers are advised to supplement their diets with vitamins B12 and D. Most doctors also recommend that pregnant women supplement their diet with iron and folic acid, although vegetarians normally consume more folic acid than meat-eaters. |
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