Do Vegetarians Need Meat In Their Diets?

A vegetarian diet excludes all types of animal flesh, such as beef, pork, fish, poultry, lamb and wild game meats. However, it includes eggs and dairy products. Some people have nutritional concerns about vegetarian diets; however, vegetarians can easily meet their nutritional needs through a carefully planned and varied diet, eliminating the need for meat.

Protein

Protein is one of the most common concerns about vegetarian diets -- people who follow meatless diets frequently field questions about how they obtain this nutrient. However, the standard American diet, which relies heavily on meats, provides far more protein than is necessary for proper energy and cellular repair. The recommended daily intake of protein is 0.36 g per pound of body weight, according to the Vegetarian Resource Group. A diet rich in tofu, nuts, seeds, whole-grain breads, eggs and low-fat dairy products can easily provide necessary amounts of protein.

Vitamins and Minerals

Vegetarian foods supply all of the vitamins and minerals necessary for optimal health, including zinc, folic acid, vitamin A, calcium, potassium and vitamin C. Vitamin B-12 deficiency is a common concern among vegetarians, because meats are abundant sources of this vitamin. This concern is unfounded, since dairy products and eggs also contain vitamin B-12, according to Columbia University. However, if you are a strict vegetarian and do not consume eggs or dairy, you may need a vitamin B-12 supplement to prevent deficiency of this vitamin.

Fats

Fats are essential components of foods -- they aid in brain, nervous system and muscular function, according to Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Meats, particularly red meats like pork and beef, are abundant sources of fats. However, vegetarians can obtain fats from other sources, including eggs, dairy products, nuts, seeds, avocados and olive oils.

Convenience

In past decades, lack of convenience limited the ability of vegetarians to enjoy packaged convenience meals and restaurant foods. However, growing interest in the vegetarian diet has led large food companies and restaurants to offer meatless options for health-conscious consumers, eliminating the need for meat in the vegetarian diet.