One of the UK’s longest-standing organisations that represents dietetics and nutrition has affirmed that a well-planned vegan diet can “support healthy living in people of all ages” in an official document signed by its CEO
The British Dietetic Association has renewed its memorandum of understanding with The Vegan Society to state that a balanced vegan diet can be enjoyed by children and adults, including during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
By combining their strengths, both organisations are committed to bringing reliable information on plant-based nutrition to every community in the UK.
Heather Russell, Dietitian at The Vegan Society, said: “The Vegan Society is respected by vegans around the world and the nutrition pages on our website are a valuable resource that many people rely on.
“The BDA is one of the foremost providers of evidence-based information in the practice of dietetics and by collaborating with them, The Vegan Society wishes to reaffirm itself as not just an authority on veganism, but also on vegan nutrition.
“We want to reassure vegans that their lifestyle choice supports healthy living and give dietitians confidence to deliver reliable vegan-friendly dietetics advice.”
Andy Burman, Chief Executive at BDA, said:
“It is important that people choosing to eat a vegan diet can get the right advice from the right sources, and know to visit a dietitian for advice on tailoring their nutrition and diet. The BDA will continue to work with The Vegan Society to promote this message.”
The document states the BDA and The Vegan Society will work together “to show that it is possible to follow a well-planned, plant-based, vegan-friendly diet that supports healthy living in people of all ages”.
The organisations will also “promote reliable, evidence-based advice on a healthy vegan diet to members of the public, services users and medical professionals”.
The Vegan Society has recently revised all of its nutrition resources which can be found at www.vegansociety.com/nutrition. The new memorandum can be seen here.
Dietitians are the only qualified health professionals that assess, diagnose and treat diet and nutrition problems at an individual and wider public health level. Uniquely, dietitians use the most up-to-date public health and scientific research on food, health and disease, which they translate into practical guidance to enable people to make appropriate lifestyle and food choices.
The Vegan Society is a registered educational charity (no. 279228) that provides information and guidance on various aspects of veganism, including to new and potential vegans, caterers, healthcare professionals, educators and the media. Visit www.vegansociety.com for more information.
If you are interested in learning more about veganism, take the 30-day Vegan Pledge at www.vegansociety.com/veganpledge now.
About the British Dietetic Association (BDA), founded in 1936, is the professional association and trade union for dietitians in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. It is the nation’s largest organisation of food and nutrition professionals with over 8,500 members. For more information visit www.bda.uk.com.
Image copyright: The Vegan Society