NIH · MedlinePlus · 2025
Explains essential amino acids and protein from plant foods; individual requirements still vary.
Evidence over ego
THE FACTS.
MINUS THE SHOUTING.
Good reasoning needs good evidence. Here’s where we start—and where you can check the receipts.
NUTRITION
A vegan label is not a guarantee of dietary quality. Meet energy and protein needs, use a reliable B12 source, and plan iron and calcium. Individual medical circumstances deserve qualified advice.
EXPLORE THE ARGUMENTANIMAL ETHICS
Welfare asks how animals are treated; rights asks whether their use is justified. Evidence can inform the discussion, but ethical conclusions also depend on values and consistent reasoning.
EXPLORE THE ARGUMENTENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Food production affects climate, land and water. Plant-rich diets offer mitigation opportunities, but impacts vary by product, producer and place. No food gets an impact-free halo.
EXPLORE THE ARGUMENTCOMMON MISCONCEPTIONS
“Natural” does not automatically mean right. “Omnivore” describes dietary ability, not a requirement to eat every kind of food. Be precise about the question before reaching for a slogan.
EXPLORE THE ARGUMENTTHE SOURCE LIBRARY.
Reviewed October 14, 2026. Fact sheets are living references; their page dates may change.
NIH Office of Dietary Supplements · 2024
B12 functions, deficiency risks, fortified foods and supplementation. This is a living reference.
NIH Office of Dietary Supplements · 2024
Nonheme iron absorption, dietary requirements and vitamin C. This is a living reference.
NIH Office of Dietary Supplements · 2024
Calcium sources and differences in absorption. This is a living reference.
NIH · NCCIH · 2023
Distinguishes soy foods from supplements; benefits and risks are not identical for every preparation.
Joseph Poore & Thomas Nemecek · Science · 2018
Life-cycle assessment of food production; large differences between producers mean averages are not universal guarantees.
IPCC · 2019
Section B.6.2 discusses balanced diets, plant-based foods, sustainable animal foods, and mitigation opportunities.
Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy · Living reference
Background on moral reasoning. Philosophy—not experimental proof that a particular diet is morally required.