A blood test when you become a vegetarian?

Question

I went to the the pharmacy to get vitamins when I became a vegetarian about 2 and a half months ago she said that I should get a blood test as soon as possible. I was just wondering what kind of blood test she was talking about or what blood test you had done when you became a vegetarian...thank you!

Answer 1

I've been vegetarian all my life (26 years now) and vegan 10 years, pretty much never take a multivitamin or supplements, and had a blood test (CBC) for other reasons last year.  It came back perfectly normal.  If your insurance will cover it, it can't hurt to have the test, but don't worry about it at all.  As long as you're eating healthy, you'll be fine (and you'd be no less likely to have problems if you weren't vegetarian).

Answer 2

My guess is that she's concerned about iron deficiency.  Not that her concern is a particularly valid one... vegetarians are no more likely to develop iron deficiency anemia than the general population, but it's a pretty widely held belief that vegetarian diets are low in iron.  Sadly, don't expect your doctor to know a whole lot more about vegetarian diets or nutrition in general than your phamacist does; most medical schools spend no more than a couple of hours teaching nutrition.  If you're having any symptoms of iron deficiency (including fatigue or shortness of breath) then your doctor will probably want to do the blood test.  I've been veg*n for 21 years and the only time I've ever had my iron levels checked is when I donate blood (they check everyone's iron levels for that.)  My doctor has never had any reason to be concerned about my diet and I don't normally have routine screenings for nutrient status.

Answer 3

You want to get what is called a "Complete Blood Count" or (CBC).

This checks for red cells, white cells, plateletes and other normal blood profile ranges.

Answer 4

If you are young - as in a pre-teen or teenager and have been reading on this site for some time - - you can understand why a doctor has ever right to be concerned.

Many are only eating that way to lose weight - and not eating a proper diet.  Many like to think that they can do away with meat - and eat all sorts of fried foods and junk.  Many really have no thought of just what a well balanced diet is when eating vegetarian/vegan.

I am wondering if your doctor just found out about your diet change - and wants to confirm that you know what your doing diet wise.  They want to confirm that you are not doing any damage to your body - getting all that you need for a healthy body.

I have seen grown adults make diet choices that were less than wise and were not healthy - and making the claim that they were eating a 'healthy vegetarian/vegan diet' - and nothing could have been further from the truth.

You also didn't mention if you have any preexisting medical conditions that they may be concerned with as well.

So, if you really want to know about why they want you to have a blood test?  Ask them.  They are the ONLY one that really knows.

Answer 5

i'm vegan and i don't take vitamins and i've never had a blood test...

people say these things because they don't know better and are looking out for you best interest

Answer 6

I heard that also. I think it's because they just want to make sure you are healthy and are getting enough protien and iorn and all that stuff. Good luck! = )

Answer 7

You don't automatically need a bloodtest because you are veg. I'd say the pharmacist meant iron studies or full blood test to check anaemia. You don't need that unless you are showing signs and symptoms of iron deficiency or anaemia. I wouldn't send someone to have any tests solely on the basis of them being vegetarian

Answer 8

The pharmacist is probably worried about anemia or low blood iron.  Eat a wide variety of green veggies and whole grains, and it shouldn't be a problem.  

I don't know of any vegetarians who go in for regular blood screenings unless they have other health conditions that require it.

Answer 9

I have been a vegetarian since 1984, I work in health care, and I never heard of that.

She is mistaken.

Answer 10

I wouldn't let those vampires take my blood.  No, really though, I didn't have a blood test when I went vegan.  

Perhaps they want to test your iron levels?  Either way, it's usually not necessary unless you are eating really bad and/or looking unhealthy and/or live in a small town with unknowlegable doctors. They just want your money.

Answer 11

I year after becoming a vegan I took an annual physical.  After informing my doctor that I had gone from vegetarian to vegan he did a blood work up on me that checked my calcium, iron, methionine, zinc, cholesterol, and blood sugar level.  Everything came back normal.  It is a good idea for a person to get a check up after a diet age just to make sure everything is going right,( not just for a vegetarian diet, any dietary change out of their regular routine).

There's probably a little bit of paranoia being displayed by the pharmacist because you are a young vegetarian.  Better to be safe though.  Your parents will definitely feel better if they know that everything is well with you.

Answer 12

I'm vegetarian and don't take vitamins nor do I feel the need to get a blood test.  If you eat a healthy vegetarian diet..there is no need for either.