Abstract
The number of vegetarians, vegans or those who limit their meat consumption is increasing in the world and in the Czech Republic as well. Due to the growing popularity of veganism, one may expect that the number of patients on plant-based diet will continue to grow, even in general practitioners' surgeries.
This article aims to summarize the basic nutritional specifics of a plant-based diet and to name some key nutrients which need more focus in case of vegan patients. We present some laboratory tests which the general practitioner may consider in case of doubt about the proper nutritional status of the vegan patient.
The article mentions some non-communicable diseases (NCDs), in which a plant-based diet can be beneficial in both prevention and treatment.