Expert warns against cutting meat from diets, cites risks for children, elderly and women

Russian nutritionist Elena Solomatina has warned that eliminating meat from the diet may pose health risks for certain groups, emphasizing that the body absorbs nutrients from animal products more efficiently than from plant-based foods.

Solomatina explained that animal protein has higher bioavailability and is essential for building muscles, skin, hair, enzymes, blood vessels, joints, and for supporting the immune system.

The expert noted that a vegetarian diet is unsuitable for children, as their developing bodies require increasing amounts of protein. A deficiency can lead to frequent illnesses and impaired normal growth.

She added that elderly people are also at risk of protein deficiency if they avoid animal products, which raises the likelihood of fractures and loss of muscle mass (sarcopenia).

Solomatina further cautioned that women of reproductive age are more susceptible to iron deficiency on a vegetarian diet, since the body absorbs iron from meat more effectively. This can result in anemia or, in severe cases, serious health complications.