Volume 29, Issue 161, July 2025

Rethinking veganism: Challenging health misconceptions and disinformation in popular discourse

Dominika Tuzimek¹, Weronika Kozak², Katarzyna Cierpiszewska³, Michalina Wiktoria Kryścińska⁴, Dagmara Skowrońska^5,6

¹Polish Red Cross Maritime Hospital, Powstania Styczniowego 1, 81- 519 Gdynia, Poland
²Saint Vincent a Paulo Municipal Hospital, Wójta Jana Radtkego 1, 81- 348 Gdynia, Poland
³Independent Public Health Care, ul. Sukiennicza 13, 64-500, Szamotuły, Poland
⁴University Clinical Hospital in Olsztyn, al. Warszawska 30, 11-041 Olsztyn, Poland
⁵Department of Teaching Anesthesiology and Intensive Therapy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-861 Poznan, Poland
⁶University Clinical Hospital in Poznan, Grunwaldzka 55, 60-352 Poznan, Poland

ABSTRACT

Context: The vegan diet, despite its widely recognized benefits, remains surrounded by numerous myths suggesting a potentially adverse impact on the health of specific population groups. Objective: This article addresses current and controversial topics related to plant-based nutrition. The aim is to broaden the knowledge of the scientifically validated benefits of plant-based diets. Data sources: A systematic search was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar, covering the period since 2021 and some applicable articles outside that range. Data extraction: The aspects examined included the risk of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, the impact on male sexual health, the adequacy of energy and macronutrient intake in athletes, and the effects on fetal development. Results: A balanced vegan diet supplemented with vitamin D and other key micronutrients supports bone health. Recent studies in male sexual health suggest potential benefits such as improved testosterone levels and reduced erectile dysfunction risk. Although research on veganism in pregnancy remains limited, professional dietary guidance can help mitigate risks related to micronutrient deficiencies. Conclusions: Despite existing concerns about the impact of a vegan diet in all groups examined, no clear health risks associated with following a vegan diet have been identified. A well-balanced vegan diet is considered safe for the aforementioned population groups, but it still requires further research. Educating people about the advantages and disadvantages of a plant-based diet is crucial.

Keywords: Diet, Vegan, Plant-based nutrition, Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal Women, Male Sexual Health, Pregnancy, Athletic Performance, Public Health Myths

Medical Science, 2025, 29, e108ms3598

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v29i161.e108ms3598

Published: 18 July 2025