Vegan diets are becoming increasingly popular among teenagers and youth, especially females, due to the perceived health benefits of a plant-based diet.

Learning objectives

After reading this article, pharmacists should be able to:

  • Describe the principles and philosophy of veganism
  • Identify the potential and/or associated nutritional deficiencies of the vegan diet
  • Discuss the role of the pharmacist in providing advice and recommendations to people maintaining a vegan lifestyle, including additional nutritional requirements and health implications.

Competencies (2016) addressed: 1.1.1, 1.1.3, 1.3.2, 2.1.2, 3.1.1, 3.1.2, 3.2.2, 3.2.5, 3.3.1, 3.6.1, 3.6.2.

Competencies (2010) addressed: 1.1.2, 1.2.1, 1.3.1, 6.1.1, 6.1.2, 6.2.1, 6.2.2, 6.2.3, 6.3.1, 6.3.3.

Case scenario 

Ramila, a 32 year-old primary school teacher, has come into the pharmacy to ask for your advice. She recently started a vegan diet, and is motivated to continue with it as she believes in its philosophy. However, she read online that following a vegan diet could mean she is not getting enough of certain nutrients, such as iron, vitamin B12, calcium and omega-3 fatty acids. She wants to know what you would recommend she do to make sure she is getting all the nutrients she needs without compromising her vegan lifestyle.

Want to learn more? PSA members can access the full article and assessment questions here to earn up to 1.5 Group 2 CPD credits.

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