Problems With Vegan Diets

A vegan diet excludes products and byproducts derived from animals. People who adhere to this diet, who are called vegans or strict vegetarians, refrain from consuming meats, dairy products and eggs, according to the Vegetarian Resource Group. Some vegans also abstain from consuming products that contain honey or gelatin. Many people find adopting a vegan diet surprisingly simple, but there are certain inherent problems with vegan diets.

Lack of Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12, also called cobalamin, is only available naturally through animal sources -- plants, which comprise the vegan diet, do not contain this vitamin. Although vitamin B12 deficiencies are rare, a long-term lack of this vitamin may lead to nerve damage, according to Dr. James Balch and Phyllis Balch, authors of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Vegans can overcome this problem by consuming foods fortified with vitamin B12, such as soy milk, tofu and whole-grain cereals.

Lack of Convenience

One of the most common problems faced by vegans is the lack of convenience when choosing meals, particularly when traveling or working around a busy schedule. While there are plenty of packaged dinners and ready-to-heat meals available, few are free of meat, dairy or eggs. Likewise, few restaurants offer selections suitable for a vegan diet, although some restaurants may be able to accommodate vegans on request.

Protein

Some vegans are concerned that eliminating meats and other animal products will result in protein deficiency. According to the Vegetarian Resource Group, vegans typically consume less protein than omnivores. Careful planning is necessary to choose foods that meet vegan protein requirements, which as the same as protein requirements for omnivores. Soybeans, nuts, seeds and vegetables, such as artichokes and broccoli, are vegan sources of protein.