"While I respect the study's conclusions, it's important to acknowledge that there are individuals who have thrived on long-term raw vegan diets, maintaining excellent health for years. These anecdotal examples, though not clinical trials, suggest that with careful planning and attention to nutrient intake, a raw vegan lifestyle can be sustainable.
It's true that micronutrient deficiencies are a potential concern, but many raw vegans address this through:
* **Careful food combining:** Ensuring a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds.
* **Supplementation:** Using B12, D, and other necessary supplements.
* **Regular health monitoring:** Tracking nutrient levels and addressing any deficiencies promptly.
The call for well-designed clinical trials is valid, and more research is always needed. However, dismissing the potential of a raw vegan diet based solely on existing literature overlooks the lived experiences of those who have found success with it. It's a complex topic, and individual results can vary significantly."
