Jenny McCarthy Says She ‘Almost Died’ on Vegan Diet as Health Experts Warn of Dangerous Deficiencies

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The potential hazards of an all-vegan diet have come under fire again after actress Jenny McCarthy recently revealed that she “almost died” while following the eating plan — which forbids all animal products, including meat, eggs, seafood, dairy and honey.

“I tried vegan and I almost died. I literally almost died,” says the 52-year-old wife of actor Donnie Wahlberg.

Jamie Mok, a Los Angeles– based registered dietitian and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, cites research that “a well-balanced vegan diet can offer numerous health benefits, such as reducing the risk of chronic diseases,” and adds that the food plan’s reliance on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds makes it a stellar choice for health.

However, the potential downsides are well known. “A poorly planned vegan diet can lead to deficiencies in essential nutrients like vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium, iron, omega-3 fatty acids, iodine and protein, potentially resulting in conditions like anemia and osteoporosis,” says Mok.

McCarthy admits she had other factors at play, including an allergy to soy and celiac disease.

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“The vegan diet was the cherry on top — the perfect storm for malnutrition/ nutritional deficiencies, in my opinion,” says Deborah Salvatore, a registered dietitian and director of graduate nutrition programs at Long Island University in Brookville, N.Y., who hasn’t treated McCarthy.

She says that while a vegan diet can be “healthful and realistic,” it can backfire in the case of people who, like Jenny, have many allergies.

Health experts say that an unbalanced vegan diet could possibly lead to such stressors as fatigue, muscle weakness, hair loss, brittle nails, mood swings, digestive issues, skin problems, weight fluctuations and intense cravings.

“Jenny’s story demonstrates the challenges many Americans face due to food allergies and food sensitivities,” offers Vanessa King, a registered dietitian nutritionist in Hawaii.