Day 021 - 29 Jul 94 - Page 67


     
     1
         MS. STEEL:   Because there are some sentences in this new
     2        report.   For example, in the middle of the iron
              deficiency anemia it does say: Haemoglobin concentrations
     3        are generally normal for both Seventh-Day Adventists and
              ethical vegans and vegetarians."  My final point is to say
     4        that on page 6 of your first statement -----
              A.  Where are we now?
     5
         Q.   I will just read it to you.
     6        A.  OK.
 
     7   Q.   You do say: "So for individuals who wish to have advice on
              how to adjust their diet to keep the risks of various
     8        diseases to a minimum should on no account rely on
              isolated scientific papers."   So, that is something of a
     9        contradiction with what you are doing here, is it not?
              A.  No.  With all due respect, this paper here by Reddy
    10        and Sanders, as I pointed out, is actually a thorough
              review based on an evaluation of a large number of
    11        scientific papers.  I would also point out that the issue
              of haemoglobin is a very much simpler one to resolve than
    12        trying to establish relationship between, for example,
              diet and cancer.
    13
         MR. MORRIS:  Are you aware of any other surveys in this field
    14        which have different conclusions?
              A.  No, I am not.  What I am relying on here is a thorough
    15        evaluation by a person who can speak with authority on
              this subject.
    16
         Q.   So you are relying on one person's conclusions?
    17        A.  No.  I am relying on a review which is an evaluation
              of a large number of individuals.
    18
         Q.   One comprehensive study?
    19        A.  This study is pulling together data which has been
              obtained by a number of individuals.  Again, the
    20        conclusion it comes up with in relation to anaemia
              certainly rings true in my view.  It all makes sense.
    21
         Q.   Because it confirms your preconceptions?
    22        A.  No, because it follows from an understanding of the
              metabolism involved and of the contribution that different
    23        foods make to the iron intake in the diet.
 
    24   Q.   Are you aware, for example, of study done by Sanders or a
              paper written by Sanders in the British Medical Journal of
    25        Nutrition and Gear (whoever Gear is) 1980, and the
              conclusions of that, or Draper 1989 Centre for Human 
    26        Nutrition, London School of Hygiene Tropical Medicines? 
              A.  I cannot recall those now, but again I would remind 
    27        you that what is being said here -----
 
    28   MR. JUSTICE BELL:  They are both mentioned in the references to
              this paper.
    29        A.  Sure.  Again I cannot bring those to mind just now.
              I think it is important to understand the conclusion is
    30        not that something can go wrong from a health point of
              view with all vegetarians.  The point is quite simply that

Prev Next Index