Today, the Internet is flooded with information about various diets and controversial aspects of meat consumption. It is challenging to determine what ultimately makes scientific sense and what does not. This article summarizes the results of an in-depth study on the rationality of meat consumption, based on verified and diverse statistical data. The aim of the research was to find a judicious position amid the ocean of informational chaos. The primary focus was on Europe; however, the overall picture is little different for Asia or America.
Meat consumption has always been important in the context of human survival and evolution, providing Homo sapiens with proteins and nutrients. Our ancestors, hunting mammoths and bison, regarded meat as a blessing from the gods. It was a symbol of abundance and prosperity. Even today, meat consumption is often associated with affluence: the wealthiest nations in the world consume the most meat. Europeans and North Americans, for example, consume an average of 80-100 kg of meat per capita annually [1]
However, has it always been this way? Oh, wonder, certainly not. Meat consumption significantly increased during the 20th century. The exact growth trend can be traced in reports from the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) [2], but to understand the scale of this increase, it is enough to say that at the end of the 19th century, in most European countries, meat consumption per capita was 20-30 kg per year. This trend of significant growth in meat consumption is little different in Asia or America. Hence the rational question arises: is such an amount of meat really necessary from the standpoint of common sense and its impact on human health?
It is widely accepted that excessive meat consumption has a number of negative consequences: cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and an increased risk of death. Of course, this is not an exhaustive list. But how true is this? What do the numbers say? What does ‘excessive’ mean?
Most analytical-statistical studies on the impact of meat consumption on cardiovascular diseases and cancer risk have numerous flaws and are filled with contradictions. The problem is that doing this correctly is quite challenging. Many parameters come into play: the type of meat consumed (lean/fatty), the quantity, how it is prepared, and the specific type of the meat. A large test group of people needs to be gathered, and contact with these individuals must be maintained over decades. This is where all the difficulties and high discrepancies arise. Overall lifestyle and eating habits also matter.
As example, one can cite the French or Spanish paradox, where meat consumption is at the highest level compared to other regions of the world, yet the correlation between diseases and meat consumption for residents of these countries remains extremely low. This paradox is so well-known that the French and Spaniards are often simply excluded from statistical studies.
Nevertheless, the negative impact does exist, and it is significant. From my personal research, it follows that with excessive consumption, the risk of mortality increases proportionally to the amount of fresh meat consumed. According to various sources, meat consumption of 25-35 kg per year per adult is considered moderate. If we double the amount consumed, the risk of mortality increases on average by 13%. To be more specific, in terms of the most common diseases of the 21st century, in the case of cardiovascular diseases, the percentage increase in mortality risk is 18-24%, and for cancer, it is 10-16% [3], [4]. Let’s be honest: these figures are striking. When we consider that the average European consumes 80-100 kg of meat per year, it gives us pause for thought.
So, perhaps it is better to give up meat? Is this the solution to all problems? And what does the statistics look like from the perspective of vegetarians and vegans? Are meat-free diets truly widespread and do they bring the desired effects? Once again, I suggest focusing on the hard facts and figures.
At first glance, based on information from the Internet and advertising, it may seem that the group of vegetarians/vegans is quite significant and rapidly growing. However, as it turns out, this is absolutely not the case. According to various sources [5], [6], the average percentage of people adhering to a meat-free diet in European countries ranges between 5-10%. Interestingly, most vegetarians abstain from meat for ideological and moral reasons, rather than due to health concerns.”
A rational question arises: do vegetarian diets really help extend life compared to moderate meat consumption, as is often heard in the media? As it turns out, most studies show that vegetarians, in general, do not live longer than people who consume animal products moderately. Moreover, the top three European nations (Sweden, Norway, Iceland), as well as Japan, which have the longest life expectancy, are characterized by high consumption of meat and dairy products [7].
However, there is a significant unpleasant aspect — a number of studies [8], [9], [10] demonstrate that vegetarian diets can be extremely negative for children. Without a well-planned diet, a child deprived of meat can easily become a victim of limited energy intake, growth disorders, and micronutrient deficiencies — primarily vitamin B12, B11, iron, and zinc, which can lead to serious mental and cardiovascular issues. In the case of exclusively plant-based diets, it is recommended to increase protein intake to 30-35% for infants and 20-30% for older children. Special attention should be paid to ensuring adequate intake of foods containing fatty acids.
With a properly planned diet that includes dietary supplements, all potential threats can be avoided. However, to be honest: adhering to all these aspects is a complex matter. It takes 3-5 years to train a dietitian, yet for some reason, vegetarian parents often believe that reading one or two books or, worse yet, simply giving their children what they eat will be sufficient — and everything will be okay. This is a big mistake. Children’s needs for proteins and micronutrients are quite different from those of adults. An adult with minimal supplementation can manage quite well on a plant-based diet, but proper nutrition for a child is a completely different issue.
Should we risk our child’s health for personal ideological and social views? In my opinion, there is nothing wrong with a child consuming high-quality meat products in moderation until the age of 12-14 years. The decision of whether to be a vegetarian/vegan or not is better left to the child when they reach a certain level of maturity. Do parents have the right to deprive a child of the freedom to choose?
There is another aspect that few mention – the limitations of the body’s adaptive capabilities in extreme conditions.
Imagine a 30-year-old man who has never consumed meat. His diet has consisted solely of plant-based foods throughout his life. The body of such a person, more specifically, his digestive system, is not accustomed to digesting meat. A war begins — the man is drafted into the army, and he ends up on the front lines, where the food is extremely limited, and often the only thing available is canned food of animal and fish origin. And although the overall likelihood that his body will not be able to adapt due to allergic reactions or intolerance to certain proteins is quite low, the adaptation process will still be painful and prolonged, and the chances of survival compared to omnivorous individuals will significantly diminish. Just a few years ago, one could easily argue that such a scenario is unlikely. However, the situation in Ukraine and Israel in 2023-2024 has fundamentally changed the world’s perception of safety in the 21st century.
I suggest continuing the topic of meat consumption in the context of its impact on the environment and climate, but I think it’s better to do this in a separate second part. A link will appear here as soon as the article is ready.
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Thank you for your attention, Lumin Hopper
Please note: this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Before making any decisions regarding your health or diet, we recommend consulting a qualified professional.
