Lacto-ovo vegetarianism
Vegetarian diet allowing eggs and dairy
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In most Western English-speaking countries, the word "vegetarian" usually refers to this type of vegetarianism; however this is not universally the case. In India, lacto-ovo vegetarians are known as "eggetarian" (a portmanteau of "egg" and "vegetarian"), as "vegetarianism" usually refers to lacto vegetarianism.
Etymology
The terminology stems from the Latin lac meaning "milk" (as in 'lactation'), ovum meaning "egg", and the English term vegetarian, so as giving the definition of a vegetarian diet containing milk and eggs.
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Diet
In the Western world, ovo-lacto vegetarians are the most common and most traditional type of vegetarian. Generally speaking, when one uses the term vegetarian, an ovo-lacto vegetarian is assumed.
Religion
In Indian religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism most individuals are either raised as ovo-lacto vegetarians or lacto vegetarians.
The Bible Christian Church was a Christian vegetarian sect founded by William Cowherd in 1809. Cowherd was one of the philosophical forerunners of the Vegetarian Society founded in 1847. The Bible Christian Church promoted the use of eggs, dairy and honey as God's given food per "the promised land flowing with milk and honey" (Exodus 3:8).
Many Seventh-day Adventists are ovo-lacto vegetarians and have recommended a vegetarian diet, which may include milk products, eggs and honey since late 19th century.
Health effects
Lacto-ovo vegetarian diets have a high overall diet quality compared to non-vegetarian diets. Lacto-ovo vegetarian diets have positive effects on blood lipids such as lowering low-density lipoprotein and total cholesterol and are associated with a reduced risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease. The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans described a lacto-ovo vegetarian dietary pattern as one of several dietary options to promote health and prevent disease. The American Heart Association in a 2026 scientific statement on dietary guidance to improve cardiovascular health commented that a lacto-ovo vegetarian diet can support cardiovascular health and a healthy body weight.
There is high-quality evidence that lacto-ovo vegetarian diets reduce blood pressure. Lacto-ovo vegetarian diets are associated with an increased risk of iron deficiency.