Nutritional status of lacto-ovo vegetarian Trappist monks

The nutritional status of members of a lacto-ovo vegetarian Trappist community was studied. Body weights and heights were normal. An analysis of four weeks' menus showed that, for the most part, sufficient nutrients were provided. A 24-hr. dietary recall revealed that a number of the subjects had low intakes of some nutrients, particularly the B-vitamins and calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc. Improvement in the nutritional intakes and resulting nutritional status of the men must rely on an availability of accurate educational materials and each individual's determination to gain the knowledge needed to make a wiser selection of food.