My wife had an exam the other day (I'm sure she's pleased for everyone to know), and I met her there as I happened to be in town. While I was waiting I noticed a bunch of pamphlets on the wall, and zeroed in on one entitled "A Good Start/Nutrition During Pregnancy." Being interested in and fairly knowledgable on the subject (my wife was vegan throughout her pregnancy, and our 4 year old daughter is and has been completely vegan since conception--with the exception of breast feeding, and I've done tons of research on all things vegan), I grabbed it and took a look. Here are a few gems, but it gets way better at the end of the story...
1. The most readily absorbed iron is found in beef, pork, lamb, veal, poultry, and fish. (forget about the plants that those animals consumed to get their iron).
2. Milk and dairy products are the best source of calcium in the American Diet. Vegetable sources of calcium are not as readily absorbed as calcium found in milk. If you can't drink mild, check with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian. (the implication here is that if you can't consume dairy, you have a problem for which you need help...oh, forget about the plants that those animals consumed to get their iron)
3. It is well known that beef, pork, lamb, and veal provide ample amounts of protein for the American diet. Meats are also a good source of iron, zinc, and the B vitamins, and can enhance the absorption of iron in other foods. (forget about the plants--you get the picture.)
I could go on and on...the use of vegetables is pretty much to add fiber (ever realized that there is absolutely no fiber in animal products?), but the main nutrition is from animals...In addition to the above, there was an entire chart dedicated to the different meat cuts and their nutritional content.
SO....the conclusion of this experience is that I checked the copyright, and not only was it from 1992 (no new info since then, apparently), the copyright read:
This material was developed by the Education Department of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association as part of the coordinated effort with State Beef Councils and the Beef Board. Copyright 1988, revised 1992, National Cattlement's Beef Association
Seriously.