Thomas Pickering's 2024 documentary I Could Never Go Vegan is a sleek, well-edited, and emotionally appealing exploration of plant-based living. With vibrant storytelling and a cast of passionate advocates, the film sets out to dismantle common objections to veganism. From environmental concerns to health claims and ethical arguments, it presents veganism as not only morally superior but also nutritionally ideal. But is it?
Despite its compelling presentation, I Could Never Go Vegan falters under scientific scrutiny. The proposition that a vegan diet is inherently better for the human body is not only unproven, it's at odds with evolutionary biology and nutritional science.
Evolutionary Mismatch
Humans are omnivores by design. Our evolutionary history is steeped in meat consumption, and our physiology reflects that. The human digestive tract is relatively short, typical of meat-eating species, unlike the long, complex intestines of herbivores. We produce hydrochloric acid in the stomach at a concentration similar to carnivores, evolved to break down animal proteins and kill pathogens found in meat.
Moreover, our brains-arguably our most defining feature, owe their expansion largely to high-quality, calorie, dense animal foods. Key nutrients such as vitamin B12, creatine, haem iron, and DHA (a form of omega-3 fatty acid) are either absent or poorly absorbed from plant sources, requiring supplementation on vegan diets. The film glosses over this biological reality, instead romanticising an idealised vision of plant-based health.
Health Claims in Question
While some studies do show health benefits to increased plant intake, correlation does not equal causation. Vegan diets can reduce certain risk factors like LDL cholesterol, but this doesn't automatically translate to overall better health. Indeed, long-term veganism is associated in some studies with higher risks of bone fractures, iron-deficiency anaemia, and mental health issues-especially in populations without proper supplementation or access to fortified foods.
The film fails to address these nuances. Instead, it leans heavily on emotionally charged anecdotes, often substituting personal testimony for rigorous science. Interviews with activists and influencers are engaging but lack the depth or balance needed to make a compelling scientific case.
Ethical Arguments not Nutritional Truth
Ethics and sustainability are valid discussion points, but they should not be confused with what is biologically optimal. Just because a diet aligns with one's ethical beliefs doesn't mean it's the best choice for human health. The documentary conflates these spheres, giving the impression that what's ethically preferable must also be nutritionally superior-a position unsupported by robust nutritional science.
In Closing...
I Could Never Go Vegan is visually captivating and emotionally persuasive, but it ultimately promotes ideology over biology. While plant foods certainly play a vital role in any balanced diet, the film's dismissal of meat as unnecessary-even harmful-is both historically and scientifically inaccurate. Humans evolved eating meat, and for many, it remains an essential part of optimal health today. A more honest documentary would acknowledge the complexity and individual variation in dietary needs, rather than pushing a one-size-fits-all narrative.
