Whether you do it for health reasons or moral beliefs, there’s no doubt about it – lots of people are going vegan these days. But there are things to consider before writing off animal products completely, FoxNews considers.

So is there a downside to going vegan?

A vegan diet includes only plant-based foods – no eggs, dairy or animal products of any kind.

Studies have shown that vegans tend to have lower body mass indexes (BMIs) and a reduced risk of diabetes, heart disease and cancer. But they are also more vulnerable to nutritional deficiencies including:

• B12

• Omega-3 fatty acids

• Vitamins A & D

• Iron

• Zinc

• Calcium

All of these vitamins and nutrients are vital for regulating energy and mood – among other important functions – so vegans should be sure to eat a lot of foods like:

• Fruits and vegetables

• Whole grains

• Legumes

• Nuts

• Seeds

• Beans

If you’re thinking about going vegan, talk to your doctor and/or a nutritionist first and follow up with them if you need to make adjustments to your diet.