Arachidonic acid as a potentially critical nutrient for vegetarians and vegans - position paper of the Research Institute for Plant-based Nutrition (IFPE).

ABSTRACT: The long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid arachidonic acid (ARA, 20:4n-6) is virtually non-existent in plant foods. Concerns have therefore been raised that a predominantly plant-based diet, i.e., a vegetarian or vegan diet, could lead to ARA deficiency. ARA is discussed as conditionally essential, particularly in early infancy and childhood. Therefore, the authors of this position paper provide an overview of the state of scientific research on ARA for Western countries, with a special focus on risk groups, e.g., pregnant and breastfeeding women, infants, and children. We discuss whether ARA is potentially essential in critical life stages and whether a plant-based diet is appropriate in relation to ARA. Preliminary recommendations are derived on the basis of the available literature: hea

SUBMITTER: Weder S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12275400 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature