Sustainability of a plant-based diet

Abstract

Considering that recently there are more and more different options and dietary trends, vegetarianism is presented as a possible solution for quality nutrition with less impact on the environment, it is necessary to analyze how true such a premise really stands. A plant-based diet implies the consumption of foods that come from plants with some or no components of animal origin. This diet could have some positive effects on the human health of adults (lower risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and obesity) but only well balanced and supplemented while in infants, children, and adolescents could cause severe deficiencies in vitamin 9 and vitamin 12 affecting the growth, cognition, social development, and expression of depression. From the point of environmental sustainability, further research is necessary to distinguish the accurate footprint of a plant-based diet as well as of animal production. Finally, it is up to each person to decide, hopefully, based on knowledge and responsibility, what kind of diet will follow. From the point of those engaged in animal production, it is up to us to ensure efficient and sustainable production of high quality animal products, because the market is only growing.