The Case for Ethical Omnivorism | Frédéric Leroy, PhD

Dec 9, 2025

Frédéric Leroy, PhD, a food science expert and author, dives into the heated debate on animal-source foods. He reveals the nutritional risks of strict vegan diets, particularly for vulnerable groups like infants. Leroy critiques the EAT-Lancet report for its narrow focus on plant-based policies and introduces his 'Nourishment Table' for balanced eating. He argues for ethical omnivorism, emphasizing the need for a nuanced perspective on livestock's role in sustainable diets, while debunking myths surrounding saturated fats and processed meats.

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INSIGHT

Risk Of Restrictive Vegan Diets For Vulnerable Groups

Vegan diets are restrictive and increase risk for groups with higher nutrient needs.
Infants, pregnant/lactating women, adolescents, and older adults face particular vulnerability on strict vegan diets.

ADVICE

Supplement And Fortify To Fill Plant Gaps

Monitor and supplement nutrients that are hard to obtain from plants like B12, DHA, choline, iron, iodine, vitamin D, and calcium.
Use fortified foods or supplements and tailor choices to individual needs and access.

ANECDOTE

Serious Pediatric Case Reports From Vegan Diets

Medical case reports show severe harms in children on vegan diets, including rickets, anemia, and neurological damage.
Professional pediatric bodies in several countries warn against vegan diets for young children.

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In this episode, Frédéric Leroy, PhD, a professor of food science and biotechnology at the Free University of Brussels, joins the show to dismantle the polarized debate surrounding animal-source foods. We explore the nutritional risks associated with restrictive vegan diets, particularly for vulnerable groups like infants and women of reproductive age, while examining the evolutionary and biological role of meat in the human diet. Dr. Leroy challenges the current push toward exclusively plant-based global policies, discussing the limitations of the EAT-Lancet report and the "carbon tunnel vision" often applied to environmental sustainability.

We also dig into the misunderstood science of saturated fat and processed meats, distinguishing between traditional preservation methods and modern ultra-processing. Dr. Leroy introduces the "Nourishment Table," a flexible, evidence-based framework for healthy eating that prioritizes nutrient density and minimizes ultra-processed foods. Finally, we discuss the concept of "ethical omnivorism" and how to balance animal welfare with the ecological realities of food production. If you want a nuanced, scientific perspective on the role of livestock in a healthy and sustainable future, this episode is for you.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

05:23 Exploring Vegan Diets: Risks and Nutritional Concerns

14:51 Health Outcomes of Vegan Diets: A Closer Look

20:04 The Debate on Animal Source Foods: Evidence and Context

24:14 Nutritional Perspectives on Meat: Myths and Realities

30:57 Processed Meats: Understanding the Nuances

36:17 Cultural and Nutritional Context of Processed Meats

39:40 The Role of Animal-Sourced Foods in Human Nutrition

42:57 Critique of EAT Lancet Dietary Guidelines

48:11 The Nourishment Table: A Flexible Dietary Framework

55:58 Ethical Considerations in Animal Food Consumption

01:03:51 Environmental Impact of Animal Agriculture

Dr. Frédéric Leroy

X: https://x.com/fleroy1974
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fleroy1974/
Free University of Brussels: https://imdo.research.vub.be/en/prof-dr-ir-frederic-leroy

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