Humans Are Not Born Vegetarians or Vegans

By SWA

From the very beginning of life, the human body demonstrates its reliance on animal-derived nourishment. The first food a newborn receives—or should receive—is colostrum, a nutrient-rich fluid produced by mammals, including humans, in the first few days after giving birth.

Colostrum is not a protein itself, but it is exceptionally high in immune-supporting proteins such as immunoglobulins (antibodies), leukocytes (white blood cells), lactoferrin, and various growth factors, along with vitamins and minerals. This early "milk" is essential for jumpstarting a newborn's immune system and ensuring proper early development. Compared to mature breast milk, colostrum contains more protein and antibodies, and less fat and carbohydrates, making it uniquely suited for the newborn’s needs (Ballard & Morrow, 2013; U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2020).

This biological reality challenges the idea that humans are naturally vegetarian or vegan. From our first moments, we depend on an animal-based substance for survival and immune protection.

As individuals adopt vegetarian or vegan diets later in life, it's important to understand how such a dietary shift affects the human body—especially regarding protein intake. A diet lacking sufficient protein can lead to a weakened immune system, loss of muscle mass, delayed growth and development, digestive issues, skin and hair problems, and a higher susceptibility to illness (Wu, 2016; Ghosh et al., 2020).

While it is possible to maintain a healthy vegetarian or vegan diet, it requires careful planning to ensure all essential nutrients—especially complete proteins—are adequately provided. Without this, the human system can experience significant nutritional deficits (Craig, 2009; Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 2016).

References:

Ballard, O., & Morrow, A. L. (2013). Human Milk Composition: Nutrients and Bioactive Factors. Pediatric Clinics of North America, 60(1), 49–74. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pcl.2012.10.002

U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2020). Colostrum – MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002452.htm

Wu, G. (2016). Dietary protein intake and human health. Food & Function, 7(3), 1251–1265. https://doi.org/10.1039/C5FO01530H

Craig, W. J. (2009). Health effects of vegan diets. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 89(5), 1627S–1633S. https://doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.2009.26736N

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. (2016). Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Vegetarian Diets. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 116(12), 1970–1980. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jand.2016.09.025

 

Disclaimer: By accessing and reading this blog, you acknowledge that the information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The content is intended to address commonly asked questions and is derived from reputable scientific literature. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns or conditions.

© 2000-2025 Sieglinde W. Alexander. All writings by Sieglinde W. Alexander have a fife year copy right. Library of Congress Card Number: LCN 00-192742 ISBN: 0-9703195-0-9

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