Statements from Experts on Vegetarian Diets

Position of the American Dietetic Association and Dietitians of Canada: Vegetarian Diets
J Am Diet Assoc. 2003 Jun;103(6):748-65.

In their 2003 Position Paper on vegetarian diets, the American Dietetic Association and Dietitians of Canada state:

Well-planned vegan and other types of vegetarian diets are appropriate for all stages of the life cycle, including during pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, and adolescence. Vegetarian diets offer a number of nutritional benefits, including lower levels of saturated fat, cholesterol, and animal protein as well as higher levels of carbohydrates, fiber, magnesium, potassium, folate, and antioxidants such as vitamins C and E and phytochemicals. Vegetarians have been reported to have lower body mass indices than nonvegetarians, as well as lower rates of death from ischemic heart disease; vegetarians also show lower blood cholesterol levels; lower blood pressure; and lower rates of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and prostate and colon cancer.

Health Benefits of a Vegetarian Diet
Key TJ, Davey GK, Appleby PN. Proc Nutr Soc. 1999 May;58(2):271-5.

Health Benefits of a Vegetarian Diet, a 1999 paper co-authored by experts on the mortality rates of vegetarians, concludes:

Compared with non-vegetarians, Western vegetarians have a lower mean BMI (by about 1 kg/m²), a lower mean plasma total cholesterol concentration (by about 0.5 mmol/l [19 mg/dl]), and a lower mortality from IHD [ischemic heart disease] (by about 25%). They may also have a lower risk for some other diseases such as diverticular disease, gallstones and appendicitis. No differences in mortality from common cancers have been established. There is no evidence of adverse effects on mortality. Much more information is needed, particularly on other causes of death, osteoporosis, and long-term health in vegans.