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Page 2 of 9 Types of Vegetarian Diets Vegetarian diets can be further broken down into several categories, according to the types of foods consumed.
Vegetarian The vegetarian diet consists solely of plant foods. No dairy products, eggs, or fish are consumed.
Lacto-Vegetarian A lacto-vegetarian diet consists of plant foods and dairy products. Lacto vegetarians do not eat meat or eggs.
Ovo-Vegetarian An ovo-vegetarian diet consists of plant foods and eggs. Ovo vegetarians do not eat meat or dairy products.
Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian A lacto-ovo vegetarian diet consists of plant foods, dairy products, and eggs. Lacto-ovo vegetarians do not eat meat.
Lacto-Pesco Vegetarian A lacto-pesco vegetarian diet consists of plant foods, dairy products, and fish. Lacto-pesco vegetarians do not eat eggs.
Lacto-Ovo-Pesco Vegetarian A lacto-ovo-pesco vegetarian diet consists of plant foods, dairy products, eggs, and fish. Lacto-ovo-pesco vegetarians do not eat meat. There is a general belief that this diet should not fall under the heading of "vegetarian" due to the greater quantity of animal-based foods consumed. Many people begin with a lacto-ovo-pesco vegetarian diet, however, as they adjust their dietary and lifestyle habits towards a more traditional vegetarian diet.
Vegan / Strict Vegetarian A vegan diet is based solely on foods of plant origin, such as nuts, seeds, vegetables, fruits, grains, and legumes. Approximately ten percent of all vegetarians fall into this category. Vegans should exercise more diligence in ensuring adequate nutritional intake, specifically vitamin B12 and D. See Addressing Deficiencies, below, for more information.
Fructarian A fructarian diet is an extreme form of vegetarianism based solely on fruits. In addition, many fructarians eat only fruits that have naturally fallen off trees, based on the belief that no living plant should be harmed (through the picking of fruit) to fulfill human needs. It is extremely difficult to fulfill all necessary nutritional needs when engaging in a fructarian diet. In addition, this diet is lacking in dietary fibre and essential fatty acid intake, furthering complicating nutritional deprivation. Though admirable, a fructarian diet is not recommended.
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