Vegan Nutrition Study - Getting to the science!

June 16, 2004

Hi All,

A good friend of mine is a scientist studying blood samples for the integrity of DNA. Turns out DNA fractures can predict and are correlated with diseases, not surprisingly, and she developped a novel method to study such fractures.

Somewhat due to my nagging, she agreed to take a look at the DNA of vegans vs non-vegans. I think this is TRULY important. Wouldn't it be nice if she finds many less fractures in blood samples from vegans vs non-vegans? Her lab studies the role of vitamines in general, so the next step she wants to look at is, if there ARE fractures in vegan DNA, does taking vitamines help. This could be really important, solving the neverending "to take supplements or not to take supplements" debate. The fact is, in veganworld there are only opinions and theories, and no science about that, as far as I could find (and definitely no science at the level of DNA integrity).

I know that a lot of us are vegan for AR reasons, not health, but isn't health a nice added bonus that sells very well to potential vegans? So, for the greater good of the vegan community, and for our own sake and to better understand the health issues of veganism, I think it is really important to try and participate. Compensation is meagre, only $10, but the reward here is not money anyway I think. All it requires from you is to find a time when it is convenient for you to get to Oakland Children's hospital, give a blood sample, and answer a brief questionnaire.

She will continue on to the vitamine portion of the study with those who qualify.

So take a moment to consider doing this please...

To find out more, call 510 - 428-3885 ext 6915

Tal

PS: Her name is also Tal....