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Vegetarian, Lacto-Ovo,
and
Vegan Diets
Approximately 7% of Americans
choose a vegetarian diet, 1% choose a lacto-ovo
vegetarian diet (no meat, fish or poultry flesh), and 0.1% follow a
vegan diet (no animal foods) . These choices are based on cultural or
religious traditions, perceived health benefits, or for philosophical
reasons. Most vegetarian, lacto-ovo and vegan diets can meet the needs of
growing children with appropriate planning or, in some cases,
supplementation.
Are there
risks from a vegetarian diet?
Without careful planning, a vegetarian diet might be deficient in
Vitamin B12, protein, iron, and/or vitamin D.
Healthcare providers should be aware of the rich sources for these nutrients
so they can determine, through dietary history, which nutrients may be
deficient in the child's diet and can counsel on ways to either alter
dietary intake or supplement. In many cases, a single session with a
dietician can be very helpful.
Nutrient |
Good Source |
Comments |
Calories |
Oils, nuts
(beware of choking risk for small children!), nut butters and fruit
juices. |
Energy intake in
very restricted diets may be insufficient for infants just weaned from
bottle or breast and small children. |
Protein |
Combining legumes
with rice or corn generally delivers all the essential amino acids in
one meal. Mixtures of high protein sources is advisable (mixture of
legumes, cereal, nuts seeds, fruits and other vegetables). Soy is a
good source of protein, especially if supplemented with methionine, as
it is in soy-based formulas. |
Vegetarian
sources are usually sufficient in protein. Dietary consultation may be
appropriate for helping a parent understand which combinations deliver a
balanced supply of essential amino acids. |
Fats |
Consult a dietician. |
For children over
2 years, if dietary fat is below 15% of calories, special care must be
taken to provide that essential fatty acid requirements are met. |
Vitamin
B12
(Cobalamine) |
B12
is found in meat products. Levels are high in colostrum
compared to human milk at 3 months post partum.
B12
is found in breast milk in proportion to the amount of maternal ingested
B12. |
B12
deficiency may result in megaloblastic anemia and neurologic
abnormalities. |
Iron |
High in meats;
some commercially available cereals are iron-fortified. |
Iron absorption is improved in
presence of iron deficiency; impaired in presence of tannins
(tea) and phytins (in foods high in fiber). Iron content in foods does not
reflect bioavailability (e.g., 50% of iron available in human milk is
absorbed, but only 4% of iron in fortified formula is absorbed.) |
Vitamin D |
Added to milk.
Sunlight is excellent source for manufacture of Vitamin D in skin, liver
and kidney. |
Infants are at
risk for deficiency if swaddled and living in climates with reduced
sunlight. |
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