A new report published in the current edition of the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry suggests that low levels of vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids could increase heart attack risk for those who follow a vegan diet.
For the study, researchers at the Zhejiang University in China examined the nutritional gaps common in the vegan diet and found that while most vegans consume enough protein, their lack of other essential nutrients could potentially cause hardened arteries.
"On the basis of the present data, it is suggested that vegetarians, especially vegans, could benefit from increased dietary intake of n-3 PUFA and vitamin B12 and thus improve the balance ratio of n-3 to n-6 PUFA and vitamin B12 status, which may reduce any thrombotic tendency that might increase their generally low risk of cardiovascular disease," they write in the paper.
The researchers found that vegans tend to have high levels of HDL, or "good cholesterol," and can supplement omega-3 fatty acids with walnuts or other nuts.
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June 12, 2026 17:14 ET Major central bank action was the focus this week in economic news. The European Central Bank became the first major central bank to move in response to the rising inflationary pressures in the backdrop of the conflict in the Middle East. In North America, the U.S. inflation and trade data as well as Canada’s central bank decision gained attention. The Chinese trade data was the main news in Asia.