Vegetarians and Dairy Products

 As with some other dietary questions, vegans are split on the issue of vegetarians and dairy products; not so much on the question of whether they are permissible, but more about reasons affecting consumption.

Vegans abstain from consuming dairy products. There are both ethical and nutritional reasons for doing so, and for strict vegans, the question of vegetarians and dairy products is clear-cut.

Vegetarians and Dairy Products - Nutritional Issues

Those who refrain for nutritional reasons suggest that a number of potential health problems are avoidable if the issue of vegetarians and dairy products is properly considered. High cholesterol is noted, and some vegetarians also have a problem digesting lactose or may develop a diabetic or blood iron problem related to the milk protein, casein. Furthermore, milk and cheese frequently contain small quantities of potentially harmful hormones that have been added to the feed of dairy herds.

Vegetarians and Dairy Products - Ethical Issues

Those who abstain from consuming dairy products for ethical reasons also have a range of reasons for doing so.

The poor treatment of dairy cows is a good enough reason for not consuming milk and cheese. Dairy cows are forced to become pregnant every year to maintain a persistent yield of milk, and lots of steroids may be included in their feed to maximize output.

Ethical reasons affecting vegetarians and dairy products include the ill treatment of calves. The young cows are not allowed to suckle or spend time with their mothers, but may be prematurely removed for various reasons including veal production.

Calves selected for veal production have a dreadful existence. They spend their short lives in confined spaces where they can experience little movement. Then they are given hormone additives in their feed to assist in readying them for slaughter. Is there any wonder that vegetarians and dairy products is such a vexed subject? It clearly demonstrates why dairy products are avoided, particularly by vegans.

Prospective vegans and vegetarians may want to consider some modern farming methods, and how they are applied to livestock. They may deduce that many animals deserve a better existence and believe that it is within their power to do something about it. If they needed further convincing, about the desirability of a vegetarian lifestyle, questions about vegetarians and dairy products, could make up their minds.