30 Yr Veg Has Low Energy, Veg Diet Questions

Question For Savvy Vegetarian

I would like to know what I need in my vegetarian diet to increase my energy level. I have had very low energy for about 15 years or more and have been a vegetarian for about 30 years - V.A

Savvy Veg Advice

Dear V.A.,

I'm not a doctor or nutritionist, and know nothing about you or your diet besides what you've told me, so can't give a diagnosis. It could be any of a number of different things: a nutritional deficiency, such as - iron, magnesium, folic acid, B12. B12 is a major suspect, especially if you've been a vegetarian for 30 years, and you've been tired for 15, and that you would then likely be in your fifties?? But as I'm sure you know, nutrition is synergistic and holistic, and it could be a combination of factors.

One interesting fact I came across recently (in a book I recommend to ALL vegetarians, "Becoming Vegetarian" by Vesanto Melilna et al) is that "doses of Vitamin C over 500 mg appear to be able to destroy Vitamin B12 by converting it to analogues" These analogues can't be absorbed by the body. For vegetarians who already eat lots of fruit and vegetables containing Vit. C, and have limited amounts of B12 in their diets, these high doses of Vit C could be particularly harmful.

Your fatigue could be also be hormone related, or it could be an illness. You should have blood tests done for deficiencies, and if that's not the problem, then consult a medical practitioner (your choice of what sort) to look at other causes.

Here are two SV articles which could be helpful:

Vegetarians, Are You Getting Enough Vitamin B12?
Magnesium is Critically Important to Your Vegetarian Health!

I'd be interested in what you find out, and how things go for you. Please let me know.

All the best, Judy Kingsbury, Savvy Vegetarian

Health Disclaimer:

Savvy Vegetarian provides education and support to individuals who want to become vegetarian, or improve their diet. We don't advocate any particular vegetarian diet. We don't claim to be health care professionals, or nutritionists, nor do we treat any illness. Any changes that you make to your diet, or results of those changes, are your decision and responsibility. For your protection, we ask you to be completely open with us about your health, and we may recommend a medical exam before changing your diet. We reserve the right to refuse or to end a client relationship if we believe the client's actions may endanger his or her health.

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