Modified Food Guide Pyramid for Lactovegetarians and Vegans

Abstract
Health benefits of vegetarian diets include reduced risk of hypertension, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers (1,2), reduced body mass index (3) and lower mortality due to ischemic heart disease (4,5). Although nutrient bioavailability is compromised when meatless diets are consumed (6–8), and nutrient deficiencies have been noted in long-term Western vegetarians (9,10), vegetarian diets can be nutritionally adequate if properly planned.