What is the Difference Between Vegetarian and Vegan?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between vegetarian and vegan diets lies in the types of animal products they exclude. Here are the key distinctions:
- Vegetarian: Vegetarians do not eat any food products made from meat, fish, shellfish, crustacea, or animal by-products such as gelatin or rennet. However, they do consume dairy products and eggs. There are several variations of vegetarianism, including:
- Ovo-vegetarians: Eat eggs but no dairy products.
- Lacto-vegetarians: Eat dairy products but not eggs.
- Ovo-lacto vegetarians: Consume both eggs and dairy products.
- Vegan: Vegans do not eat any food products that come from animals, including dairy products and eggs. They also avoid consuming other ingredients derived from animals, such as gelatin, honey, carmine, pepsin, shellac, albumin, whey, and casein. Additionally, vegans typically avoid using animal-derived products like leather and silk.
Both vegetarian and vegan diets can be healthy and balanced, but it is essential to ensure that the necessary nutrients are obtained from alternative sources. For example, vegans may need to consume fortified foods or take dietary supplements to get enough vitamin B12.
Comparative Table: Vegetarian vs Vegan
The main difference between vegetarian and vegan diets lies in the types of animal products consumed. Here is a comparison table highlighting the differences:
| Vegan | Vegetarian |
|---|---|
| Excludes all animal-derived products, including meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy | Excludes meat, poultry, and fish, but allows for the consumption of some animal-derived products, such as eggs and dairy |
| A more comprehensive approach that encompasses both dietary and lifestyle choices, aiming to eliminate the use of animal products | A less restrictive form of plant-based eating, primarily focused on the diet and allowing for some animal-derived products |
| May have lower cholesterol levels and a lower body mass index compared to vegetarians | May consume slightly higher amounts of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D than vegans |
Both vegan and vegetarian diets share common motivations, such as health, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability. However, veganism involves a more strict approach, excluding all animal products and derivatives, while vegetarianism allows for the consumption of some animal-derived products, like eggs and dairy.
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