Can children have a vegan diet?
Kids who are vegan can become vitamin B-12 deficient. Vitamin B-12 rich foods are fish, meat, eggs and milk, vital in preventing anemia. B-12 also helps to keep your nerve and blood (brain) cells healthy. Luckily B-12 is found in many multivitamins and also as stand alone vitamin supplements. Jarrow Formulas offers a methyl B-12 in a cherry flavored chewable tablet. Unfortunately there are no natural food sources with the vitamin for those living the vegan lifestyle.
How do vegan children get their daily allowance of protein and calcium?
The answer to that is surprisingly easy. Food. Calcium is found in many vegetables such as spinach and broccoli. Protein is plentiful in the vegan diet and is found in all plant foods. It is also found in beans, nuts, edamame and seeds to name but a few. There is also a certain amount of protein in grains such as quinoa. So we can certainly stop worrying. Always check with your child’s pediatrician prior to introducing any new diet.
Can you raise your baby vegan?
A vegan diet often doesn't naturally contain enough of the nutrients babies need, like vitamin B12, vitamins A and D, and minerals like zinc and calcium. Breastfeeding alone doesn't necessarily solve the problem because Mommy may be lacking in DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which aids in eye and brain development, and omega-3 fatty acids. Additionally, turning solely to soy as a protein source could inhibit a baby's growth and further reduce the absorption of certain minerals and protein. Children’s eating habits are established between birth and adolescence, so the feeding pattern you establish will be the foundation for regarding nourishment. Furthermore, plenty of chronic diseases are believed to have their beginnings in childhood, it's important to start kids off on a healthy diet (vegan or otherwise) early in life. Vegan diets may introduce children to a greater variety of whole plant foods, thus establishing healthful lifelong eating habits.
What vegan foods should be eaten generously, moderately and sparingly?
