The ADA and Dietitians of Canada publish a new position paper on vegetarian diets.

The American Dietetic Association (ADA) and Dietitians of Canada (DC) published their updated position on vegetarian diets in the June 2003 Journal of the American Dietetic Association. This paper features an extensive review of vegetarian diets, including consumer trends; statistics on new products; health benefits of vegetarian diets; updates on protein, iron, zinc, calcium, vitamin D, riboflavin, vitamin [B.sub.12], vitamin A, omega-3 fatty acids, and iodine for vegetarians; use of vegetarian diets throughout the life-cycle; the role of vegetarian diets in prevention and treatment of chronic diseases, such as obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis, and renal disease; and the use of vegetarian diets in federal programs like School Lunch, the Elderly Nutrition Program, corrections facilities, and the armed forces. Specific suggestions for dietitians who work with vegetarian clients are included. The complete position paper is available on ADA's website at <www. eatright.org/Public/Files/veg.pdf>. This paper is a helpful source of information for the media, health care professionals, and others with questions about vegetarianism.

Mangels AR, Messina V, Melina V. 2003. Position of the American Dietetic Association and Dietitians of Canada: Vegetarian diets. J Am Diet Assoc 103:748-65.