My son decided to become vegan, I’m having some concerns?

Yes, you should be concerned because the average vegan lacks essential nutrients in their diet. Vegan diets can increase your chances of getting a deficiency disorder, like vitamin B12 deficiency disorder mostly, iron deficiency, or zinc deficiency.

Common early symptoms are tiredness, a decreased mental work capacity, weakened concentration and memory, and irritability and depression.

Sleep disturbances may occur, because B12 may be involved in the regulation of the sleep wake cycle by the pineal gland (through melatonin)..

Neurological signs of B12 deficiency, which can occur with or without anemia, include sensory disturbances (due to damage to peripheral nerves caused by demyelination) and irreversible nerve cell death. Symptoms include numbness and/or tingling of the extremities, altered proprioception, impaired sense of smell, loss of appetite (anorexia), disturbed coordination and, if not treated in time, an ataxic gait especially in the dark when there is less visual reference.. In extreme cases, B12 deficiency can lead to a syndrome known as subacute combined degeneration of spinal cord.

B12 deficiency can also cause symptoms of mania, psychosis, fatigue, memory impairment, irritability, depression and personality changes.

Because not all plant-based proteins contain the full spectrum of essential amino acids, it’s necessary to eat a variety of these sources to ensure that deficiencies of particular amino acids don’t occur. Paying close attention to the types of proteins that are eaten and eating a diversity of plant proteins can reduce the risk of deficiency.
Vitamin B-12 plays an important role in forming healthy red blood cells and preventing anemia. It’s also an important factor in maintaining a healthy brain and nervous system. The best sources of vitamin B-12 are animal based products, with plants being a rather unreliable source of this vitamin. Some plant-based proteins such as soy and tempeh are reasonable sources, although it varies depending upon how they are grown or, in the case of tempeh, what bacteria are used for fermentation.

Deficiencies can result in iron deficiency anemia, low energy levels, and fatigue. Fortunately, there are good plant-based sources of iron which can help to offset a deficiency. These include beans, lentils, whole grains, and dried fruits. It’s important to make sure these foods are eaten regularly and to avoid drinking tea when they are. Tea is high in tannins which can inhibit absorption of iron.

And almost all vitamin supplements is made of gelatin, solid substance, derived from the collagen inside animals’ skin and bones. SO, how are vegans following a animal based product-free lifestyle?