{
  "sources": [
    {
      "title": "Vegetarian, vegan diets and multiple health outcomes: a systematic review with meta-analysis of observational studies",
      "url": "https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2016.1138447",
      "doi": "10.1080/10408398.2016.1138447",
      "canonical": "https://thebalanceofhealth.com/sources/dinu-2017-vegetarian-vegan-diets-and-multiple-health-outcomes",
      "status": "reviewed"
    },
    {
      "title": "How prevalent is vitamin B12 deficiency among vegetarians?",
      "url": "https://doi.org/10.1111/nure.12001",
      "doi": "10.1111/nure.12001",
      "canonical": "https://thebalanceofhealth.com/sources/pawlak-2013-prevalence-of-b12-deficiency-among-vegetarians",
      "status": "reviewed"
    }
  ],
  "title": "A well-planned vegan diet is associated with lower risk of several chronic diseases, but the evidence does not show a clear difference in overall mortality, and poorly planned vegan diets carry nutritional risks.",
  "url": "https://thebalanceofhealth.com/claims/is-a-vegan-diet-healthier-overall",
  "publisher": "The Balance of Health",
  "license": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/",
  "record": {
    "status": "reviewed",
    "id": "claim-vegan-diet-healthier-overall",
    "slug": "is-a-vegan-diet-healthier-overall",
    "statement": "A well-planned vegan diet is associated with lower risk of several chronic diseases, but the evidence does not show a clear difference in overall mortality, and poorly planned vegan diets carry nutritional risks.",
    "shortAnswer": "It can be, if it is built on whole foods and covers a few nutrients. 'Vegan' on its own is not a health claim.",
    "pillarIds": [
      "health"
    ],
    "topicIds": [
      "cardiovascular",
      "nutrients"
    ],
    "keyStatisticId": "stat-vegetarian-mortality-change",
    "explanation": [
      "Studies find lower rates of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers in people on plant-based diets, but not a consistent reduction in overall death rates.",
      "Vegan diets range from whole foods to chips and sweets. The health effects depend on which one you eat."
    ],
    "rating": {
      "strength": "moderate",
      "rationale": "Consistent benefits for specific outcomes, but observational data, mixed mortality findings and real nutrient risks prevent a stronger rating."
    },
    "sourceIds": [
      "src-dinu-2017-vegetarian-vegan-meta",
      "src-pawlak-2013-b12"
    ],
    "limitations": [
      "Vegans are a small group in most cohorts; results often pool vegetarians and vegans."
    ],
    "methodology": [
      "Synthesis of systematic reviews of observational studies and nutrient-status surveys."
    ]
  }
}