Those who eat vegan food will eventually live unhealthily if they ignore some things. The example of the mineral iron illustrates this fact well. Iron is essential for blood formation. Who is not sufficiently supplied with it, feels defeated or suffers even from further symptoms. The iron requirement can be covered most efficiently by red muscle meat such as beef steak or pork loin. But the image of pale vegans is only half the truth. Some vegetable foods such as sesame or oat flakes are also rich in iron. However, vegetable sources of iron have one disadvantage: the body uses them less efficiently. The absorption succeeds only optimally if vegans consume at the same time fruit or vegetable sorts, which contain much vitamin C. It is also important to know that high coffee and tea consumption makes it difficult to use. Smoking and competitive sports also have an effect on the iron requirement. Chronic gastrointestinal inflammations reduce the absorption capacity, and last but not least the genes play a significant part – these last two factors also apply to mixed food consumers. Only a complete blood count test provides certainty.

Many vegans have therefore made it a habit to have their blood tested at least once a year. This allows deficits to be identified in time, even before the body's own storage is used up. Vegan food is therefore not per se unhealthy, but requires more effort and attention. That has also positive effects: Who eats consciously, makes itself generally more thoughts over a healthy life change. In things precaution vegans stand very well compared to the population average. Many studies show that vegans smoke less often, drink less alcohol and exercise more often.