VEGAN-L's Most Frequently Asked Questions List
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WHY VEGAN?

VEGANISM may be defined as a way of living which seeks to exclude, as far
as possible and practical, all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to,
animals for food, clothing or any other purpose.

In dietary terms it refers to the practice of dispensing with *all* animal
produce - including meat, fish, poultry, eggs, animal milks, honey, and
their derivatives.

Abhorrence of the cruel practices inherent in dairy, livestock and poultry
farming is probably the single most common reason for the adoption of
veganism, but many people are drawn to it for health, ecological,
spiritual and other reasons.

"Land, energy and water resources for livestock agriculture range anywhere
from 10 to 1000 times greater than those necessary to produce an
equivalent amount of plant foods. And livestock agriculture does not
merely *use* these resources, it *depletes* them. This is a matter of
historical record. Most of the world's soil, erosion, groundwater
depletion, and deforestation -- factors now threatening the very basis of
our food system -- are the result of this particularly destructive form of
food production" (Keith Akers, p. 81, "A VEGETARIAN SOURCEBOOK", 1989).


IS THIS GROUP FOR ME?

If the above section doesn't make any sense to you then probably not.
Please don't join this list and then denigrate those who have chosen the
above lifestyle. It will *not* be appreciated. If after reading this FAQ
you decide VEGAN-L is not for you, simply unsubscribe. If you are an
ethical vegan or an experienced vegetarian and have now decided to move
to veganism on ethical grounds then please stick around. If you're
vegetarian or "vegan" for health reasons only then there are a couple of
other groups you may prefer:

	Fatfree (covers *very* low fat vegetarian and vegan food).
	To subscribe:
		email	fatfree-REQUEST@hustle.rahul.net
		subject add

	Veglife (a general vegetarian list, covers all sorts).
	To subscribe:
		email	listserv@vtvm1.cc.vt.edu
		body	sub veglife (your name)


DEFINITIONS OF WORDS COMMONLY USED:

Vegan: excludes animal flesh (meat, poultry, fish and seafood), animal
products (eggs and dairy), and usually excludes honey and the wearing and
use of animal products (leather, silk, wool, lanolin, gelatin...). The
major vegan societies all disallow honey, but some "vegans" still use it.

Strict vegetarian: originally meant vegan, now can mean vegan or vegetarian.
Pure vegetarian: as per strict vegetarian.

WHAT ARE GOOD BOOKS FOR NEW VEGANS?

Vegan Nutrition, a Survey of Research by Gill Langley MA PhD
Vegan Nutrition, Pure and Simple by Dr. Michael Klaper
Friendly Foods by Ron Pickarski
The Vegan Cookbook by Alan Wakeman and Gordon Baskerville
Diet for a New America by John Robbins
The Gourmet Vegan by Heather Lamont
Power of your Plate by Neal Barnard
Animal Liberation by Peter Singer
Recipes from an Ecological Kitchen by Lorna Sass
Pregnancy, Children and the Vegan Diet by Dr. Michael Klaper


HOW IS "VEGAN" PRONOUNCED?

The word was invented by Donald Watson in the 1940's. It is pronounced
"vee-gun". This is the most common pronunciation in the UK today. No one
can say this pronunciation in "wrong", so this is also the politically
correct pronunciation.

In the US, common pronunciations are "vee-jan" and "vay-gn" in addition to
"vee-gn", though the American Vegan Society says the correct pronunciation
is as per the UK.


A LITTLE HISTORY

Here are some of Donald's own words from the early years (1945):

'Vegetarian' and 'Fruitarian' are already associated with societies that
allow the 'fruits' of cows and fowls, therefore.. we must make a new and
appropriate word... I have used the title 'The Vegan News'. Should we
adopt this, our diet will soon become known as the vegan diet and we
should aspire to the rank of vegans.


WHAT'S WRONG WITH FREE RANGE EGGS?

In order to get laying hens you have to have fertile eggs and half the
eggs will hatch into *male* chicks. These are killed at once or raised as
table birds (usually these days in broiler houses) and slaughtered as soon
as they reach an economic weight. So for every free-range hen happily
scratching around the garden or farm who, if she were able to bargain,
might pay rent with her daily infertile egg, a corresponding male from her
batch is enduring life in a broiler house or has already been subjected to
slaughter or thrown away to die. Every year in Britain alone more than 35
million day-old male chicks are killed. They are mainly used for
fertiliser or dumped in landfill sites. The hens are also culled as soon
as their production drops. Also be aware that many sites classed as free
range aren't really free range, they're just massive barns with access to
the outside. Since the food and light are inside the chickens rarely venture
outside.


AND NORMAL (BATTERY) EGGS?

The battery hen, from which the vast majority of all eggs are produced and
almost all products containing eggs (especially cakes) suffers an even
worse fate. The battery hen is an anxious, frustrated, fear-ridden bird
forced to spend 10 to 12 months squeezed inside a small wire cage with up
to nine other tormented hens. There are usually many tiers of these cages
in gloomy sheds which hold a total of 50,000 to 125,000 birds. Caged for
life without exercise while constantly drained of calcium to form egg
shells, battery hens develop the severe osteoporosis of intensive
confinement know as caged layer fatigue. Calcium depleted, millions of hens
become paralyzed and die of hunger and thirst inches from their food and
water. Battery hens are debeaked with a hot machine blade once and often
twice during their lives, typically at one day old and again at seven weeks
old, because a young beak will often grow back. Debeaking causes severe,
chronic pain and suffering which researchers compare to human phantom limb
and stump pain. Between the horn and bone of the beak is a thick layer of
highly sensitive tissue. The hot blade cuts through this sensitive tissue
impairing the hen's ability to eat, drink, wipe her beak, and preen
normally. Debeaking is done to offset the effects of the compulsive pecking
that can afflict birds designed by nature to roam, scratch, and peck at the
ground all day, not sit in prison; and to save feed costs and promote
conversion of less food into more eggs. Debeaked birds have impaired
grasping ability and are in pain and distress, therefore eating less,
flinging their food less, and "wasting" less energy than intact birds.


WHAT CAN BE SUBSTITUTED FOR EGGS?

Ener-G Egg Replacer, which is make from potato starch, tapioca flour,
leavening agents (calcium lactate (vegan), calcium carbonate, and citric
acid) and a gum derived from cottonseed. It's primarily intended to
replace the leavening/binding characteristics of eggs in baking, but it
can be used for nonbaked foods and quiches.

Alternative replacements (quantity per egg substituted for)

2 oz of soft tofu can be blended with some water and substituted for an
egg to add consistency. Or try the same quantity of: mashed beans, mashed
potatoes, or nut butters.

1/2 mashed banana

1/4 cup applesauce or pureed fruit

One Tbsp flax seeds (found in natural food stores) with 3 Tbsp water can
be blended for 2 to 3 minutes, or boiled for 10 minutes or until desired
consistency is achieved to substitute for one egg.

1 tsp. soy flour plus 1 Tbsp. water to substitute for one egg.


WHAT'S WRONG WITH DAIRY PRODUCTS?

Dairy cows are made pregnant yearly to ensure they produce adequate milk.
In nature the calf would suckle for almost a year but nature, like the
calf, is denied by the dairy industry. Some calves may be separated from
their dams on the first day of life; others might remain for just a few
days. But as the inevitable by-products of relentless milk production each
will have to endure one of several possible fates. The least healthy bobby
calves will be sent to market to be slaughtered for pet food; to provide
veal for veal & ham pies; or for rennet to be extracted from their
stomachs for cheesemaking. Some females will be reared on milk substitutes
to become dairy herd replacements and begin, at 18-24 months of age, the
cycle of continual pregnancies. Some will be sold at market at 1-2 weeks
of age for rearing as beef in fattening pens and slaughtered after 11
months, often without sight of pasture. Up to 80% of the beef produced in
the UK is a by-product of the dairy industry. Over 170,000 calves die in
the UK each year before they are three months old, due largely to
neglectful husbandry and appalling treatment at markets. A few will be
selected for rearing as bulls, spending their lives in solitary confinement
serving canvas 'cows' and rubber tubes. Artificial insemination is now
responsible for 65-75% of all conceptions in the dairy herd. In the US the
vast majority of unwanted calves are reared for veal, all but around 12% of
them spending their short miserable lives in narrow crates (5'x2') on
wooden slats and without straw. Whilst none suffer such a fate in Britain
they are now exported for the purpose. In solitary confinement, unable to
turn around or groom themselves they must drink the only diet they are
allowed - a milk substitute gruel. Deliberately kept short of the iron and
fibre which would redden their fashionably white flesh, they will suffer
from sub-clinical anaemia and gnaw at the crates and their own hair for the
roughage they crave. Fed large doses of hormones and antibiotics to promote
growth and prevent the onset of infections caused by the stress of
confinement and malnutrition, they will suffer scours, pneumonia,
diarrhoea, vitamin deficiency, ringworm, ulcers or septicaemia. After 14
weeks, barely able to walk, they are taken over long distances to slaughter.

In 1905 the Lord Mayor's Cup at the London Dairy Show was won by a 24 year
old cow. Today it is impossible to find a dairy cow of that age. The cow
is usually sent for slaughter at five to six years, less than one quarter
of their expected lifespan. Ketosis, laminitis, rumen acidosis, bse,
mastitis, milk fever, staggers, liverfluke, lungworm and pneumonia are
just some of the diseases facing the short life of the dairy cow.


BUT DON'T I NEED EGGS AND DAIRY PRODUCTS?

Just as the meat manufacturers would have you believe that you need to eat
meat, the egg and dairy producers are now spending vast amounts of money
promoting the healthy aspects of eggs and dairy products. Eggs and dairy
products contain large amounts of cholesterol and saturated fats, which is
considered a major cause of heart disease. In a 1985 study published by the
J. Am. Med. Ass. dairy products were the major source of saturated fat and
cholesterol for 75 adult vegetarians living in the USA, whose blood levels
of cholesterol were higher than those of vegans who ate no dairy produce.
Dairy products contain lactose, a milk sugar which the majority of the
world's population is actually unable to digest and is often found to be
the cause of digestive problems. Casein, the milk protein, has been shown
to cause iron deficiency anaemia from internal bleeding in many infants
and is suspected of causing juvenile diabetes. Milk products can also be a
cause of eczema, rash, mucous buildup, wheezing, asthma, rhinitis,
bleeding, pneumonia and anaphylaxis in children and adults.


ARE SOY CHEESES VEGAN?

Some soy hard cheeses contain casein which is a milk-product. Just because
something is "lactose free" doesn't mean it's dairy free. The only true
VEGAN hard cheeses in the U.S. are SOYMAGE and VEGAN RELLA. In the U.K.
there are vegan hard cheeses called SCHEESE and TOFUCHEESE. There is also
a vegan pre-grated parmesan style cheese called PARMAZANO in the U.K.


WHAT ABOUT HONEY?

Bees are often killed in the production of honey, in the worst case the
whole hive may be destroyed if the keeper doesn't wish to protect them
over the winter. Not all beekeepers do this, but the general practice is
one that embodies the attitude that living things are mere *material* and
have no intrinsic value of their own other than what commercial value we
can wrench from them. Artificial insemination involving death of the male
is now also the norm for generation of new queen bees. The favoured method
of obatining bee sperm is by pulling off the insects head. Decapitation
sends an electrical impulse to the nervous system which causes sexual
arousal. The lower half of the headless bee is then squeezed to make it
ejaculate. The resulting liquid is collected in a hypodermic syringe.


WHAT IS GELATIN? IS THERE ANY ALTERNATIVE TO IT?

Gelatin (used to make Jell-o and other desserts) is made from the boiled
bones, skins and tendons of animals. An alternative substance is called
Agar-Agar, which is derived from seaweed. Another is made from the root of
the Kuzu. Agar-Agar is sold in noodle-like strands, in powdered form, or
in long blocks, and is usually white-ish in color. Some Kosher gelatins
are made with agar-agar, most are not. Some things that are vegan that are
replacing gelatin are: guar gum and carrageenan. Only some 'emulsifiers'
are vegan. Gelatin is used in photography. Although the technology exists to
replace photographic film, its price is currently prohibitive and there is
insufficient demand. Hopefully, with the growth of vegetarianism and
veganism, this situation will soon change.


WHAT'S WRONG WITH WOOL?

Scientists over the years have bred a Merino sheep which is exaggeratedly
wrinkled. The more wrinkles, the more wool. Unfortunately, greater profits
are rarely in the sheep's best interests. In Australia, more wrinkles mean
more perspiration and greater susceptibility to fly-strike, a ghastly
condition resulting from maggot infestation in the sweaty folds of the
sheep's over-wrinkled skin. To counteract this, farmers now perform an
'operation' without anaesthetic call 'mulesing' in which sections of flesh
around the anus are sliced away, leaving a painful bloody wound.

Without human interference, sheep would grow just enough wool to protect
them from the weather, but scientific breeding techniques have ensured
that these animals have become wool-producing monstrosities.

Their unnatural overload of wool (often half their body weight) brings
added misery during summer months when they often die from heat
exhaustion. One million sheep die in Australia alone each year from
exposure to cold after shearing.

Every year, in Australia alone, about ten million lambs die before they
are more than a few days old. This is due largely to unmanageable numbers
of sheep and inadequate stockmen.

Of UK wool, 27% is "skin wool," pulled from the skins of slaughtered sheep
and lambs.


WHAT'S WRONG WITH SILK?

It is the practice to boil the cocoons that still contain the living moth
larvae in order to obtain the silk. This produces longer silk threads than
if the moth was allowed to emerge. The silkworm can certainly feel pain
and will recoil and writhe when injured.


WHAT'S WRONG WITH DOWN?

The process of live-plucking is wide spread. The terrified birds are
lifted by their necks, with their legs tied, and then have all their body
feathers ripped out. The struggling geese sustain injuries and after their
ordeal are thrown back to join their fellow victims until their turn comes
round again. This torture, which has been described as "extremely cruel"
by veterinary surgeons and even geese breeders, begins when the geese are
only eight weeks old. It is then repeated at eight week intervals for two
or three more sessions. The birds are then slaughtered. The main countries
using this cruel process are China, Poland and Hungary, where some 60 per
cent of down produced is live-plucked. The down market in the UK alone is
worth around 2.6 million pounds per year. The "lucky" birds are plucked
dead, i.e. they are killed first and then plucked.


WHAT IS COCHINEAL/CARMINE?

Cochineal is a bright red colouring matter made from the dried bodies of a
Mexican insect Dactylopius coccus. Billions of these insects are raised
and destroyed each year for a red colouring that is used in desserts, some
strawberry soya milks, clothing, etc.


WHAT ABOUT THOSE BUGS, FLIES ETC?

Why kill even insects if we don't have to? The same applies to using
killed insects for broaches, crushed insect wings for irridescent eye
shadow, or dying insects in jumping beans. Why promote even at this level
a callous disregard for living things around us?

I think for good reason, based on ethical intuition, that we are more
impressed by the kind-hearted soul who nets the flies to let them out of
the house alive versus the person hunting them down for certain chemical
death with a bottle raid. Even if our great White Suburban hunter of
houseflies uses a fly-swatter for ecological reasons, the more admirable
course pertains to the person who uses a butterfly net to simply capture
the fly for relocation outside.

This doesn't mean we have to let our houses be over-run by pests or
let our gardens be destroyed either. Common sense should prevail.


WHY NOT LEATHER?

Many leather goods are made from the byproducts of the slaughterhouse, so
while you may not be contributing to the destruction of animals, you will
be contributing to the profits of these establishments. Some leather is
purpose made, i.e. the animal is grown and slaughtered purely for its skin.

The Nov/Dec 1991 issue of the Vegetarian Journal has this to say about
leather: "Environmentally turning animal hides into leather is an energy
intensive and polluting practice. The Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of
Chemical Technology states, "On the basis of quantity of energy consumed
per unit of product produced, the leather-manufacturing industry would be
categorized with the aluminum, paper, steel, cement, and petroleum-
manufacturing industries as a gross consumer of energy." Production of
leather basically involves soaking (beamhouse), tanning, dyeing, drying,
and finishing. Over 95% of all leather produced in the U.S. is chrome
tanned. The effluent that must be treated is primarily related to the
beamhouse and tanning operations. The most difficult to treat is effulent
from the tanning process. All wastes containing chromium are considered
hazardous by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Many other
pollutants involved in the processing of leather are associated with
environmental and health risks. In terms of disposal, one would think
that leather products would be biodegradable, but the primary function
for a tanning agent is to stabilize the collagen or protein fibers so
that they are no longer biodegradable."


WHAT ABOUT WINES AND BEERS?

Wine is clarified, or cleared, after fermentation. Some of the
ingredients used include:

- edible gelatines (made from bones)
- isinglass (made from the swim bladders of fish)
- casein and potassium caseinate (milk proteins)
- animal albumin (egg albumin and dried blood powder)			   

In the UK beer (bitter) is also commonly fined using isinglass. Many
bottled bitters and most lagers are vegan. Guinness is not suitable for
vegans. Most spirits are vegan except for Campari (contains cochineal) and
some Vodkas (passed through bone charcoal).


AND SUGAR?

Many refined sugars use bone charcoal as a decolourant. Some beet sugar
manufacturers use fish oil as a de-foaming agent. In the UK Tate and Lyle
and Billingtons sugars are suitable for vegans. Silver Spoon (the largest
UK supplier) is not vegan.


APPLES?

In the UK the shiny Washington red apples are glazed with shellac, which
is a resin produced from insects.


DRIED BANANAS?

Many are dipped in honey. In the UK they often don't mention this on
the label.


BREAD?

Some bakers grease the tins with animal fat. If you're using a local
bakery ask them what they grease their tins with. In the UK Allied
bakeries (makers of Allinson wholemeal) have stated they only use
vegetable oils.


CEREALS?

In the UK all Kellogs products are unsuitable for vegans as Vitamin D3 (of
animal origin) is added. In the US some of Kellogg's cereals are apparently
vegan, Kellogg's Nutri-Grain cereal (plain "Wheat" variety only) is a good
vegan source of B12. Be careful though, the almond-raisin variety contains
animal based glycerin.


CRISPS (POTATO CHIPS)?

Many manufacturers use whey as the flavour carrier. Check with your
local vegan society as to what crisps are vegan.


SHEESH! ANYTHING ELSE?

For sure. If a manufacturer can stick some part of an animal in something,
chances are they probably will. Learn to be a fastidious label reader and
avoid products not properly labelled unless you know for sure that they
are suitable for vegans. Buy products from companies who make their stance
on animal products known. Look out for ethically vegan companies and
support them when possible.

Some foods have "E" numbers listed in the ingredients, with no mention as
to the source of these E numbers. Ones to definitely avoid include:

	120 - cochineal
	542 - edible bone phosphate
	631 - sodium 5'-inosinate
	901 - beeswax
	904 - shellac
	920 - L-cysteine hydrochloride

Un-numbered:
calcium mesoinositol hexaphosphate, lactose, sperm oil, spermaceti

Possibly animal derived:

101,101a,153,203,213,227,270,282,302,322,325,326,327,333,341a,341b,341c,
404,422,430,431,432,433,434,435,436,470,471,472a,472b,472c,472d,472e,473,
474,475,476,477,478,481,482,483,491,492,493,494,495,570,572,627,635

Un-numbered:
calcium hepatonate, calcium phytate, diacetin - glyceryl, glyceryl
diacetate, glyceryl triacetate, glycine, leucine, monoacetate, monoacetin,
oxystearin, triacetin and any unspecified flavourings.


WHAT ABOUT NON-FOOD HOUSEHOLD ITEMS?

Just about everything you see on the cleaning/personal hygeine shelf of
the supermarket has been force fed to animals and smeared in rabbit's
eyes. Worst of all they don't tell you that this is the case, and they
don't tell you what animal ingredients go into these products. Buy
products labelled as "Cruelty Free" or "Not tested on animals" and
"Contains no animal ingredients" when shopping. Some suitable suppliers
are listed in a later section. Oh, and when buying your plates remeber
that "Bone China" really does contain bones.


SHOULD I BE WORRIED ABOUT GETTING ENOUGH PROTEIN ON A VEGAN DIET?

No, not as long as you're taking in enough calories. Official
recommendations suggest that eating 8% of our daily energy as protein will
provide an adequate amount. National and international recommendations for
protein intake are based on animal sources of protein such as meat, cow's
milk and eggs. Plant proteins may be less digestible because of intrinsic
differences in the nature of the protein and the presence of other factors
such as fibre, which may reduce protein digestibility by as much as 10%.
Nevertheless, dietary studies show the adequacy of plant foods, as sole
sources of protein as does the experience of healthy vegans of all ages.

The main protein foods in a vegan diet are the pulses (peas, beans and
lentils), nuts, seeds and grains, all of which are relatively energy dense.
As the average protein level in pulses is 27% of calories; in nuts and
seeds 13%; and in grains 12%, it is easy to see that plant foods can supply
the recommended amount of protein as long as the energy requirements are met.


DO I NEED TO COMBINE PROTEINS ON A VEGAN DIET?

Frances Moore Lappe popularised the idea of protein combining in her book
"Diet for a Small Planet" in the '70s, however in her revised edition:
"Diet for a Small Planet 10th Anniversary Revised Edition" she has since
renounced it.

The 1988 position paper of the American Dietetic Association emphasized
that, because amino acids obtained from food can combine with amino acids
made in the body it is not necessary to combine protein foods at each
meal. Adequate amounts of amino acids will be obtained if a varied vegan
diet - containing unrefined grains, legumes, seeds, nuts and vegetables -
is eaten on a daily basis.

"Food combining" is another term for the Hay diet and has nothing to
do with the concept of protein combining.


WHAT ABOUT VITAMIN B12 ON A VEGAN DIET?

The data on B12 is still coming in, so it is impossible to say "It's no
problem....", however, the latest information suggests that acquiring
enough B12 is not as problematic as it was once thought. If you are
concerned about inadequate B12, there are many foods which are fortified
with B12, in addition to vitamin pills. Here is the most recent information:
        From the book:
        Simply Vegan: Quick Vegetarian Meals, by Debra
         Wasserman and  Nutrition Section by Reed Mangels, Ph.D., R.D.
        Published (1990/1991) by the Vegetarian Resource Group,
        P.O. Box 1463, Baltimore, MD  21203, (410) 366-VEGE.
        ISBN 0-931411-05-X

Summary: The requirement for vitamin B12 is very low. Non-animal sources
include Nutri-Grain cereal (1.4 ounces supplies the adult RDA) and Red
Star T-6635+ nutritional yeast (1-2 teaspoons supplies the adult RDA). It
is especially important for pregnant and lactating women, infants, and
children to have reliable sources of vitamin B12 in their diets.

Few reliable vegan food sources for vitamin B12 are known. Tempeh, miso,
and seaweed often are labeled as having large amounts of vitamin B12.
However, these products are not reliable sources of the vitamin because
the amount of vitamin B12 present depends on the type of processing the
food undergoes.

Other sources of vitamin B12 are fortified soy milk (check the label as
this is rarely available in the US), vitamin B12 fortified meat analogues
(food made from wheat gluten or soybeans to resemble meat, poultry or
fish) [Midland Harvest products contain B12.], and vitamin B12
supplements. There are vitamin supplements which do not contain animal
products.


SHOULD I WORRY ABOUT IRON IN A VEGAN DIET?

To quote Vegetarian Times (August 1992, p. 60):

"Iron deficiency, unlike protein deficiency, sometimes is a real problem,
but meat is not the answer. The American Dietetic Association said in 1988
that vegetarians don't have a higher incidence of iron deficiency than
nonvegetarians.

If you are concerned about getting enough iron, avoid eating iron-rich
foods along with substances that inhibit iron absorption: phyates (found
in high-bran and unmilled cereals), polyphenols (such as tannins in tea)
and calcium. Eat iron-rich foods along with foods containing vitamin C,
which aids absorption. Good sources of iron include dried figs and prunes,
dark-green leafy greens, legumes, certain whole grains such as quinoa and
millet, blackstrap molasses, nuts and nutritional yeast. Acidic foods
cooked in cast-iron pans are also good sources of the mineral."


WHAT ABOUT CALCIUM?

Green leafy vegetables such as kale are as good or better than milk as
calcium sources. Other good sources include: White/Wholemeal bread, Taco
Shells, Oats, Soyabeans, Tofu, Almonds, Brazil Nuts, Pistachios, Sunflower
Seeds, Sesame Seeds, Flax Seed, Carob, Carrots, Cabbage, Garlic, Parsley
Spirulina, Chives, Seaweed, Cauliflower, Okra, Cassava, Figs, Papaya,
Rhubarb, Molasses...

The National Research Council itself (which set the RDA values in the first
place), acknowledges that people have been able to maintain calcium balance
on intakes as little as 200 - 400 gm/day. They recommended the 800 mg/day
because of the excessively HIGH PROTEIN diet of most Americans (see NRC,
RECOMMENDED DIETARY ALLOWANCES, 9TH ed., 1980, p. 120-29)


WHAT ABOUT VITAMIN A?

Preformed vitamin A is not needed by the body, it can be synthesized by
ingestion of carotene (often called provitamin A). Excess consumption of
pre-formed Vitamin A can be dangerous. Good Carotene sources include:
Green leafy vegetables, yellow fruits and vegetables.


WHAT ABOUT VITAMIN D?

Preformed vitamin D is not needed by the body, it can be synthesized by
exposure to sunshine of dehydrocholesterol present in the skin. Vitamin D
created this way lasts in the body for many months such that it is
possible to "top-up" one's vitamin D levels over the summer for the coming
winter. Excess consumption of pre-formed Vitamin D can be dangerous. The
Vitamin D in cow's milk is artificially added. In the UK margarine is
fortified with vitamin D by law and some soya milks are also fortified.


IS BREASTFEEDING VEGAN?

Don't be silly! Of course it is. It harms no creature (don't tell my wife
I said that) and provides vital sustenance for another. Vegan mothers
commonly breast feed for longer periods of time than other mothers, as
they are unwilling to use dairy based infant supplements. Vegan infant
formulas are available now.


IS ORAL SEX VEGAN?

Is that you again? Go away!-)

Oral sex is vegan even though it may involve putting flesh in your mouth,
as it shouldn't really involve any cruelty or exploitation, and said
flesh is taken out again eventually and returned to its rightful owner.
If you decide to swallow any bodily liquids, well, once again, noone else
has suffered to provide them, so it's up to you... I doubt if anyone has
done very much research on the health aspects of this, though.


WHAT ABOUT INFANTS AND CHILDREN?

According to the American Dietetic Association, vegetarian diets can meet
all nitrogen needs and amino acid requirements for growth. A vegan diet, to
be on the safe side, should be well planned, and probably include fortified
soy milk. If you live in a cold climate and you don't intend to get your
child out in the sun a lot after you finish breastfeeding then a vegan
source of vitamin D should be added to their diet. Children need more of
the essential fatty acids than adults so a bit more fat in their diet is a
good idea. Also keep the fiber content down, their under-developed
digestive systems can't handle it. Generally the energy content of their
meals should be higher than for adults. You should also ensure that they
get a regular supply of B12.


WHAT IS MISO?

Miso is made from fermented soybeans, and usually is found in a paste
form. It is used as a flavoring agent, and for soup stocks. Storing Miso:
If it is a dark miso, like hatcho miso, or red miso, it will keep for a
while unrefrigerated, especially if it is 3 year miso. However, it does
not hurt to refrigerate it. If it is sweet miso like yellow, mellow white,
or sweet white, it will not keep unless refrigerated. Also, if the miso
has been pasteurized, it should be kept refrigerated.
      Nutritional value, per tablespoon:
        calories   36 g. protein     2 g.
        carbs       5 g. fat         1 g.
        sodium     629 mg.
      (from Pennington, "Food Values of Portions Commonly Used")


WHAT IS TOFU?

Tofu, or Soy Bean Curd, is essentially curdled soymilk minus the liquid (a
parallel is the way cheese is made from dairy). Its natural flavor is
quite mild, but its natural ability to absorb the flavors of other
ingredients has led it to be called a culinary chameleon. It's found in
several varieties, from soft (silken) to extra-firm style. Soft tofu is
often used to make frostings for cakes, dips for chips and vegetables,
while the firmer styles are often found in stir-fries and soups. Frozen
tofu is an excellent substitute for ground beef in many recipes. Tofu is
usually found in the refrigerator sections of stores, near the vegetable
or dairy sections.


WHAT IS TEMPEH?

Tempeh is a somewhat meatlike substance made from cultured soybeans. It is
used in dishes like barbeque, and has a rather strong taste compared to
tofu.


WHAT IS TVP?

Textured Vegetable Protein (or TVP) is a meat-like substance that is used
to boost the nutritional content of meals, while still remaining
relatively attractive-tasting. TVP usually contains "defatted" soya flour,
and is very low fat. It is quite often sold in mixes for meat substitute
dishes, and can often be found in bulk bins in health food stores. It is
sold in a dehydrated form and requires re-hydration before using.


WHAT IS SEITAN?

Seitan is a form of wheat gluten. It is a high protein, low fat, no
cholesterol (of course, all vegan food is cholesterol free) food that is
usually found in the refrigerated section of most organic groceries/health
food stores. It is usually near the tofu and typically comes in small tubs
(like margarine tubs). It is brown and sometimes comes in strips 1/4 to 1/2
inches thick. Seitan is made from whole wheat flour which is mixed with
water and kneaded. This dough undergoes a simple process of rinsing and
mixing, to remove the starch and some bran, until a gluten is obtained.
After boiling in water, this glutinous dough is called Kofu, which can be
further processed in many ways. One of which is seitan. Kofu becomes seitan
by simmering in a stock of tamari soy sauce, water and kombu sea vegetable.
Seitan can be used in sandwiches, or to make dishes such as sweet and sour
seitan, seitan stir fry, salisbury seitan, etc. It can be made at home from
scratch or with a commerically available mix. Some companies produce vegan
seitan products such as Meat of Wheat by Ivy foods.


CAN YOU FEED A CAT (OR DOG) A VEGAN DIET?

Neither is a vegan by nature -- dogs are omnivores, and cats are
carnivores. While both dogs and cats belong to the class carnivora, this
doesn't mean a lot, so does the panda bear and they are near vegan. By
nature cats and dogs wouldn't eat anything like what is commonly found in
a can of pet food either. Special diets must be provided for cats, as
they *require* an amino acid called taurine -- found in the muscles of
animals. Synthetic taurine has been developed, and is used in commercial
(non vegetarian) cat foods. Vegetarian cats should be fed it as a
supplement. Taurine deficiency can result in blindness and even death.
Cats also require pre-formed vitamin A and arachidonic acid. All known
vegan cat foods contain these essential ingredients. Ask your vet about
changing your pet's diet if concerned.

Not only is it POSSIBLE to feed most cats and dogs a non-meat diet, it is
also DESIRABLE. Buying "normal" pet food is supporting the same meat
industry with its attendant cruelty, exploitation, waste, and
environmental damage that veganism is so opposed to. Why should ten
horses/cows/chickens/ducks or something have to suffer and die every year
just to support your pet cat/dog ? This is not a matter of "imposing your
beliefs" on your pets (or companion animals, or whatever you call them)
since you are not forcing them to eat it and you are not stopping them
eating local wildlife on their wanderings round the neighbourhood. Also
animals don't have morals or beliefs. They do whatever is necessary to
survive, with no preference one way or the other about the impact on
anything else. We however can make moral/ethical decisions - like the
decision to be vegan. In the wild, surviving may mean "kill something or
else starve to death," but if your animal is being fed anyway, this
becomes unnecessary. It is also no more unnatural for a pet cat/dog to be
eating veg*n food than any other food. Firstly, the domesticated cat/dog
bears little resemblance to its wild cousins so we're already in an
artificial situation. Secondly, the whole act of feeding it from a tin
(as opposed to letting it find food for itself) is unnatural, so you
might as well make the best of it. And thirdly, the actual contents of
the tins of commercial pet food bear no resemblance to what a cat/dog
would eat in the wild anyway... Could you imagine your darling moggy
killing horses and cows and going deep sea ocean fishing for tunas ?

 Products:
     Wow-Bow Distributors
     309 Burr Rd., East Northport, NY 11731
     (516) 449-8572, 1-800-326-0230 (outside of NY only)
     Dogs: 20lb. bag is $20.35 + shipping
     Cats: supplement, 15oz. is $15.95
     Call: Nature's Recipe for location of a distributor near you. 
     Phone: 1-800-843-4008

     Canine/Feline Anergen III, a vegetarian diet for
     food sensitive cats, contains special high-protein vegetables.
     Wysong Corporation
     Dept. CF, 1880 N. Eastman Ave., Midland, MI 48640.
     Phone: (800) 748-0188

     Harbingers of a New Age
     717 E. Missoula Ave, Troy MT 59935-9609 Phone: (406) 295-4944
     [vegecat supplement for vegan or lacto-ovovegetarian cats]

     Nature's Recipe
     341 Bonnie Circle, Corona, CA 91720
     Phone: (714) (800) 843-4008 or 278-4280
     [Vegan canned food and kibble for dogs]

     Pet Guard,
     P.O. Box 728, Orange Park, FL 32067-0728 Phone: (800) 874-3221
     [vegan canned dog food]

     Famous Fido's Doggie Deli Inc.
     1533 W. Devon Ave., Chicago, IL 60660 Phone: (312) 761-6028
     [Vegetarian cookies, croisants and bagels for dogs]


     Natural Life Pet Products, Inc.
     Frontenac, Kansas 66762. Phone: 1-800-367-2391
     (For dogs) Available from veterinarians and pet food centers.

     Evolution Healthy Pet Food
     2950 Metro Dr. Ste. 102, Bloomington, MN 55425
     1-800-524-9697 or 1-612-858-8329


WHAT IS NUTRITIONAL YEAST? / WHICH ONES PROVIDE B12?

Nutritional yeast (saccharomyces cerevisiae) is a food yeast, grown on a
molasses solution, and comes in powder or flake form. It has a
pleasant-tasting, cheesy flavor and can be used directly on vegetables,
baked potatoes, popcorn and other foods as a condiment. It is different
from brewer's yeast or torula yeast. It can often be used by those
sensitive to other yeasts.

Yeasts are not animals! Yeasts are part of the group fungii. They were
originally considered to be plants even though they do not produce
chlorophyll, now they have their own kingdom.

Ms. Carlyee Hammer at Universal Products (the parent company of Red Star,
414-935-3910) indicates that ONLY ONE variety of Red Star nutritional
yeast (product number T-6635+) is fortified with B12 at the level of 8 ug/g.


WHAT ARE SOME GROUPS THAT I CAN JOIN OR GET INFORMATION FROM?

Vegan Groups:

  Australia:

    The Vegan Society (NSW)
    PO Box 467, Broadway, NSW 2007. Phone: (02) 436-1373

    Organization For Farm Animal Liberation
    PO BOX E65, East Parramatta, NSW 2150. Phone: (02) 683 5991 (AH)

    The Vegan Society of Brisbane
    PO Box 400, South Brisbane, QLD 4101. Phone: (07) 857-5589

    Vegan Society of Australia
    PO Box 85, Seaford, VIC 3198. Phone: (03) 862-1686

  Canada:

    Canada EarthSave Society
    Suite 103 - 1093 West Broadway,
    Vancouver, BC,  V6H 1E2  Phone: (604) 731-5885.
    Canada   Earthsave  describes  itself  as  "an  educational  non-profit
    organization  that  promotes  awareness of the environmental and health
    consequences of our food choices.

  United Kingdom:

    The Vegan Society
      7 Battle Road, St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex TN37 7AA
     Phone: (0424) 427393
     publishes "The Vegan" quarterly, free with membership

  United States:

    American Vegan Society
      501 Old Harding Highway, Malaga, NJ 08328 Phone: (609) 694-2887
    publishes "Ahimsa" magazine.

    Vegetarian Resource Group
      P.O. Box 1463, Baltimore, MD 21203 Phone: (410) 366-8343
    publishes "Vegetarian Journal"
    Hotline for Vegetarians' questions: Phone: (410) 366-VEGE


Cruelty-free products information

  AEsop, Inc.
  P.O. Box 315 North Cambridge, MA  02140
 Store at:
  285 Washington St. Somerville, MA  02143 Phone: (617) 628-8030

  Amberwood
  Route 2 Box 300, Milner Road, Leary, GA 31762 Phone: (404) 358-2991

  Animal Rights Catalog
  1857 West 4th Avenue, #205 Vancouver, B.C. V6J  1M4 Canada 
  Phone: (604) 737-7185

  The Body Shop -- in local shopping centers
  some of its products may contain dairy and a couple
  even contain lanolin.

  Heartland Products
  Box 218 Dakota City, Iowa 50529

  Humane Alternative Products
  8 Hutchins St., Concord, NH 03301

  Beauty Without Cruelty
  175 W. 12th St., New York, NY, 10012
  P.O. Box 19373 San Rafael, CA 94913  Phone: (415) 382-7784

  Compassionate Consumer
  P.O. Box 27, Jericho, NY 11753 Phone: (718) 445-4134

  Heart's Desire
  1307 Dwight Way, Dept C, Berkeley CA 94702

  Humane Street USA
  467 Saratoga Ave. #300, San Jose, CA 95129

  Spare the Animals
  P.O. Box 233, Tiverton, RI 02878

  Vegan Street Company
  P.O. Box 5525, Rockville, MD

    PETA: write for a free list of companies.
      Newsletter: "Style with Substance", quarterly
      c/o Laura Grey, P.O. Box 160322, Cupertino CA 95016-0322
      $2 per issue or $8 for 1 year subscription.

    YOUR BODY, Unit 53, Milmead Industrial Estate, Mill Mead Road, London N17 9QU
      tel:  081-808-6948 fax:  081-801-1611
      (mail-order, vegan)

    MARTHA HILL Ltd., The Old Vicarage, Laxton, Corby, Northants, NN17 3AT
      tel:  0780-450259 (24 hour) fax:  0780-450398
      advice line: 0780-450284 (8am-5pm Mon-Fri)
      (mail order, uses honey in some of the products, otherwise vegan)

Mail Order Book Outlets and Food Outlets

     Foods of India
     Sinha Trading Co. Inc.
     120 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10026 Phone: 212-683-4419

     Garden Spot Distributers
     Route 1 Box 729A, New Hollare, PS  17557. Phone: 800-829-5100
     (bulk foods, speciality items)

     Harvest Direct
     PO Box 4514, Decateur, IL  62525. Phone: 800-8flavor
     (TVP, Sauces, Herbs, Mixes)

     The Mail Order Catalog
     P.O. Box 180, Summertown, TN 38483. Phone: 800-695-2241
     or 615-964-2241 or email mailordercat@delphi.com
     (Cookbooks, TVP, Instant Gluten Flour, Nutritional Yeast)

     Soyfoods Center Catalog
     PO Box 234, Lafayette, CA  94549. Phone: 415-283-2991

     Walnut Acres
     Penns Creek, PA  17862 Phone: 800-433-3998
     (Organic foods, kitchenware, pantry items)

     Rainbow Natural Foods
     1487 Richmond Road
     Ottawa, Ontario K2B 6R9, Canada Phone: 613-726-9200

    EarthSave
    Phone: 1-800-362-3648

Periodicals

    Good Medicine,
    Physicians Committee For Responsable Medicine
    5100 Wisconsin Avenue NW Suite 404, Washinton DC 20016
    (202) 686-2210

    KATZ-GO-VEGAN
    c/o The Vegan Society
    7 Battle Road, St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex TN37 7AA
    Phone: (0424) 427393

    Vegetarian Gourmet
    PO Box 7641, Riverton, N.J. 08077-7641

Animal Rights Organizations

  Humane Society of the U.S.
  2100 L St., N.W., Washington DC 20037 (USA)
  Posters against animal research available.

  FARM (Farm Animal Reform Movement)
  P.O. Box 70123, Washington, DC 20088 (USA), Phone: (301) 530-1737
  publishes quarterly newsletter and informational handouts.

  Farm Sanctuary
  P.O. Box 150, Watkins Glen, NY  14891, Phone: 607-583-2225
  (Responsible, along with the North American Vegetarian Society,
   for getting veggie burgers in the local Burger King.  They are
   currently trying to set up another sanctuary in California).

  Farm Sanctuary - West
  P.O. Box 1065, Orland, CA 95963, Phone: 916-865-4617

  American Anti-Vivesection Soc.
  801 Old York Rd. #204, Jenkintown, PA. 19046-1685

  PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals)
  P.O. Box 42516, Washington, DC 20015 (USA), Phone: 301-770-PETA
  publishes "Cruelty-free Shopping Guide" and information

  National Anti-Vivisection Society
  53 W. Jackson Blvd., Suite 1550, Chicago, IL 60604 (USA)
  Phone: (312) 427-6065
  Free Cruelty-free products listing

  The Fund for Animals
  200 W. 57th Street, New York, NY  10019, Phone: 212-246-2096

  Friends of Animals
  P.O. Box 1244, Norwalk, CT  06856, Phone: 203-866-5223

  In Defense of Animals (IDA)
  816 West Francisco Blvd. San Rafael, CA  94901 Phone: 415-453-9984
  (Currently overseeing the "Free Corky" campaign in response
   to the movie "Free Willy".)

  Psychologists for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PSYeta)
  P.O. Box 1297
  Washington Grove, MD 20880   Phone: 301-963-4751
  (Publishes "Society and Animals" and "Human Innovations and
  Alternatives")


IS THAT IT?

  By all means no, if you have any additions you think should be made to
  the FAQ or any questions about the FAQ email traub@btcs.bt.co.uk (Michael
  Traub).