The German Nutrition Society (DGE) has published a new position paper on vegan nutrition. In it, the DGE explains that a vegan diet can also be beneficial to the health of the general adult population alongside other diets. In addition to health, the professional association has also added animal welfare and the environment as target dimensions of a sustainable diet, which is why it recommends a diet "with a significant reduction in animal foods". Dr. Isabel Knößlsdorfer, expert on veganism at the German Animal Welfare Association, comments:
"Unlike many international nutrition societies, the German Nutrition Society has so far been reticent on the subject of veganism. The new position and the positive assessment of a plant-based diet are therefore long overdue and absolutely welcome.
In agricultural animal husbandry, animals only face a short, usually painful life in which they cannot even meet their natural needs. Every year in Germany alone, over 750 million animals - pigs, cattle, sheep, goats, horses, chickens, turkeys and ducks - die for the consumption of animal products. Added to this are fish and other aquatic animals.
A plant-based lifestyle is the most consistent way to improve animal welfare. It is therefore crucial that it is part of official dietary guidelines and further research."
Note to editors: The German Animal Welfare Association provides information about the vegan lifestyle on its website www.weiljedemahlzeitzählt.de.
