The Consumption of Dairy Products by Vegetarians

Concerns regarding the consumption of dairy products by vegans are not so much on the question of whether they are acceptable or not, but instead, for what reasons are there that they should not be eaten. All individuals following a vegan diet have their own reasons as to whether or not it is agreeable.

True vegetarians do not eat dairy products due to ethical reasons. Still there are those who have to consume them for nutritional concerns. Others have their own personal reasons of consuming dairy products.

Vegetarians who do it mainly for nutritional reasons note several health problems that are associated with eating dairy products. One of the major concerns is high cholesterol. Others include difficulty digesting lactose, problems with iron in the blood, diabetic problems related to the milk protein-casein. Milk and cheese also contain unwanted hormones that manufacturers add to dairy cow feeds to increase production.

Vegetarians who do it for ethical concerns also have their own reasons. For instance, they are concerned with the poor treatment of cows during the production of milk and cheese. They believe that these cows are forced to become pregnant every year so as to provide a constant supply of milk. Steroids that are used to increase production are also one of their major concerns. They also consider the maltreatment of the offspring of these cows. They notice that calves have been prematurely removed from their mothers for the purpose of veal and beef production. Vegetarians do not like any form of maltreatment on animals that is why most of them do not want to consume milk and cheese products.

Those calves that are chosen for veal production are placed in crates that are so small. In these crates they find it difficult to turn around and they are forced to face in one direction only. They also do not have a chance to be groomed; they are only allowed to stay there and wait until they can be taken out of the crates. They are forced to consume hormone-rich feeds before they can be slaughtered.

If you are planning to become a vegetarian, take some time to think about this issue. Do you want to consume dairy products as a vegetarian for some ethical reasons, or not? Note each reason and try to determine if they are strong enough to drive you to do so. Be open to any kind of suggestion or advice from other vegetarians so you may arrive at a stronger reason and a better understanding of what you ought to do.