Limited research on non-US populations indicates that there are no significant health differences in babies born to non-vegan vegetarian mothers versus non-vegetarians.

• Grade I means there is Good/Strong evidence supporting the statement;
• Grade II is Fair;
• Grade III is Limited/Weak;
• Grade IV is Expert Opinion Only;
• Grade V is Not Assignable.
• High (A) means we are very confident that the true effect lies close to that of the estimate of the effect;
• Moderate (B) means we are moderately confident in the effect estimate;
• Low (C) means our confidence in the effect estimate is limited;
• Very Low (D) means we have very little confidence in the effect estimate.
• Ungraded means a grade is not assignable.

No research was identified that focused on the birth outcomes of vegan versus omnivorous mothers.

• Grade I means there is Good/Strong evidence supporting the statement;
• Grade II is Fair;
• Grade III is Limited/Weak;
• Grade IV is Expert Opinion Only;
• Grade V is Not Assignable.
• High (A) means we are very confident that the true effect lies close to that of the estimate of the effect;
• Moderate (B) means we are moderately confident in the effect estimate;
• Low (C) means our confidence in the effect estimate is limited;
• Very Low (D) means we have very little confidence in the effect estimate.
• Ungraded means a grade is not assignable.

Limited research on non-US populations indicates that the macronutrient intake of pregnant vegetarians is similar to that of non-vegetarians with the following exceptions (as percentages of energy intake):

• Pregnant vegetarians receive statistically lower levels of protein than pregnant non-vegetarians
• Pregnant vegetarians receive statistically higher levels of carbohydrates than pregnant non-vegetarians

It is important to note, however, that none of the studies report a protein deficiency in pregnant vegetarians.

• Grade I means there is Good/Strong evidence supporting the statement;
• Grade II is Fair;
• Grade III is Limited/Weak;
• Grade IV is Expert Opinion Only;
• Grade V is Not Assignable.
• High (A) means we are very confident that the true effect lies close to that of the estimate of the effect;
• Moderate (B) means we are moderately confident in the effect estimate;
• Low (C) means our confidence in the effect estimate is limited;
• Very Low (D) means we have very little confidence in the effect estimate.
• Ungraded means a grade is not assignable.

Based on ten studies, two of which were conducted in the US, only the following micronutrients had lower intake among vegetarians than non-vegetarians:

• B-12
• Vitamin C
• Calcium
• Zinc

Vegetarians did not meet dietary standard (in at least one country) for:

• B-12 (in UK)
• Iron (in US, for both vegetarians and omnivores)
• Folate (in Germany, though lower rate of deficiency than among omnivores)
• Zinc (in UK)

• Grade I means there is Good/Strong evidence supporting the statement;
• Grade II is Fair;
• Grade III is Limited/Weak;
• Grade IV is Expert Opinion Only;
• Grade V is Not Assignable.
• High (A) means we are very confident that the true effect lies close to that of the estimate of the effect;
• Moderate (B) means we are moderately confident in the effect estimate;
• Low (C) means our confidence in the effect estimate is limited;
• Very Low (D) means we have very little confidence in the effect estimate.
• Ungraded means a grade is not assignable.

Six studies (five non-US, one with combined US and non-US samples; all but one of positive quality) were identified that examined the bioavailability of different micronutrients in vegetarian versus non-vegetarian pregnant women. Of the micronutrients examined in the research, only serum B₁₂ levels were significantly lower in non-vegan vegetarians than non-vegetarians. Additionally, one study reported that lower B₁₂ levels are more likely to be associated with high serum tHCY in ovolactovegetarians than low meat eaters or omnivores.

While zinc levels were not significantly different between non-vegan vegetarians and non-vegetarians, vegetarians who have a high intake of calcium may be at risk for zinc deficiency (because of the interaction between phytate, calcium and zinc).

Based on limited evidence, plasma folate levels may actually be higher among some vegetarian groups than non-vegetarians.

• Grade I means there is Good/Strong evidence supporting the statement;
• Grade II is Fair;
• Grade III is Limited/Weak;
• Grade IV is Expert Opinion Only;
• Grade V is Not Assignable.
• High (A) means we are very confident that the true effect lies close to that of the estimate of the effect;
• Moderate (B) means we are moderately confident in the effect estimate;
• Low (C) means our confidence in the effect estimate is limited;
• Very Low (D) means we have very little confidence in the effect estimate.
• Ungraded means a grade is not assignable.

No research was identified that focused on macronutrient intakes among pregnant vegans.

• Grade I means there is Good/Strong evidence supporting the statement;
• Grade II is Fair;
• Grade III is Limited/Weak;
• Grade IV is Expert Opinion Only;
• Grade V is Not Assignable.
• High (A) means we are very confident that the true effect lies close to that of the estimate of the effect;
• Moderate (B) means we are moderately confident in the effect estimate;
• Low (C) means our confidence in the effect estimate is limited;
• Very Low (D) means we have very little confidence in the effect estimate.
• Ungraded means a grade is not assignable.