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Originally Posted by (Pooeypants,) Number 5...I don't eat much fish 
Can you name a primitive society that was mainly vegetarian but didn't suffer from ion or other nutrient defeciencies?<hr size="1" /></blockquote><span class='postcolor'>
There are several in Africa that vary from pure vegetarian to mostly vegetarian and they did some comparison on diet and health between these cultures and those that eat meat. I can't site the study because it was a while back when I read it. I do remember that the vegetarians were smaller in stature.
Iron, calcium and proteins are not a problem in being vegetarian if they plan their diet to include items high in these substances. Vitamin B12 is a problem for pure vegans, vegetarians that do not eat egg or milk products. Vegans should take B12 suppliments. Modern science and knowledge of nutrition have pretty much eliminated any problems that may occur from being vegetarian.
I do not recommend atheletes to be vegan, a few who were experienced problems in the past. In the west some people think that when yo become Buddhist, you should suddenly become completely vegetarian. This is not a good idea and the consequences to your health may not be good. I know of famous athelete who did this with bad results. Becoming a vegetarian is process not an act. In the west there were problems with people trying to follow the Macrobiotic Diet for the same reasons. In the west we most often seek the quick fix or the short cut. This is part of the reason why the the quicky answer to salvation is favored over a spiritual life style.
Arts of the Way (Martial Arts) suffers from the same quickie approach desired by many people in the west and we know have mail order 90 day Black Belt programs for $99.95.
My main arguement is not for pure vegetarianism, but humanity needs to eat less animal products for environmental reasons and health.