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
