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Basic Human Nutrition
Section 1
Assignment 2
Case Study #3: Vegetarian Diets
Dawn is a 22 year-old fourth year University student. She is a vegetarian who believes
strongly in animal rights. So, over the last three and a half years, she has eliminated all
meat and animal products from her diet. Dawn has also lost a little more than 15 lbs (7
kgs). Lately, she feels that she has lost too much weight. Dawn is 5’3” (1.6m) and weighs
105 lbs (48 kg). Her diet includes alfalfa sprouts, legumes of various types, and tofu that
has not been fortified. She especially loves black bean soup, peanut butter sandwiches
with multi-grain bread and several soy products. Dawn occasionally drinks soy milk. The
only vegetable oils that she sues are safflower oil or canola oil. She does not take vitamin
or mineral supplements, such as calcium because she believes they are not necessary. Her
theory is that she can get all the vitamins and minerals that she needs from the foods that
she eats. Dawn drinks no alcoholic beverages and does not smoke. She believes that it is
best to eat only “natural” foods. She eats no bleached flours and eats wholegrain cereals
and breads. However, she makes sure to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables at every
meal.
Despite her health conscious measures, Dawn catches cold easily and has a harder time
fighting them off. Dawn has never been very active, but lately she lacks energy. Dawn
wonders if she should look into her diet. She decides to investigate the facts about
vegetarian diets in more detail with the hope that she can feel better through more
informed vegetarian eating.
Answer the following questions:
1. What kind of vegetarian is Dawn? Name and describe some other types.
2. What are the benefits of vegetarian eating? What are the risks of eating a vegan
diet?
3. Examine Dawn’s diet and give her some advice on how to eat a healthier diet
without giving up her strong beliefs about animals. Make sure that you give your
reasons why she should follow your advice.
4. Dawn eats significant quantities of sprouts, peanut butter and beans. What are
some of the advantages and disadvantages of these protein sources? Should Dawn
take additional protein supplements like amino acid supplements? Why or why
not?
5. Name the sources of calcium in her diet? What can she eat to ensure that she gets
adequate calcium?
6. Dawn feels that vitamin/mineral supplements are unnecessary for her; do you
agree? What is the most likely reason for Dawn’s lethargy? How can she correct
this?
7. What is Dawn’s BMI? Is she at a healthy weight? Does she need to gain or lose
and how can she do this safely?
Source: Adapted from: Castonguay, Thomas, W. Case study #6:Vegetarian Diets. In, Nutrition Applications Workbook
Thompson Wadsworth, 2006, p.15-66. (Used with permission)