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Health This should be considered in vegan diet of children
More and more people in this country feed without animal products. For one thing, many people are vegan for moral and ethical reasons, but others are healthier too. However, experts are not in agreement as to whether the body really does benefit from this diet. Above all, it is controversial whether children should eat vegan. Parents have a lot to consider here.
Meat-free diet for health reasons
Vegan and vegetarian diet in Germany is becoming more popular. The food industry can boast impressive growth in non-meat products, and experts continue to expect a boom in the future. For health reasons, many reasons for a meat-free diet. Various scientific studies have come to the conclusion that this can reduce the risk of diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. In addition, many vegetarians and vegans have better blood pressure and are less likely to be overweight or obese. Among experts, however, remains controversial, whether vegan diet is good or bad. Especially when it comes to children.
Vegan nutrition in children is possible. But important things should be considered. Picture: Oksana Kuzmina-fotolia No clear nutritional recommendations for children and adolescents
Many vegans in Germany are aware of the problem that there are no clear nutritional recommendations for children and adolescents. An online petition by vegan parents recently called on the German Nutrition Society (DGE) to revise its guidelines and to include the purely herbal diet. Antje Gahl, spokeswoman for the DGE, said that one sees the increased need for information. "So far, we really lack meaningful studies to derive specific recommendations." She acknowledged that a vegan diet for children on a varied diet is quite possible. "But we can not pronounce a general recommendation at this time for reasons of precaution."
Children have special needs
The scientifically elaborated vegan nutrition pyramid of the German Vegetarian Federation (Vebu) provides an overview of vegan diet. However, this is designed for the needs of adults. Therefore, the Vebu now also offers a first overview of previous dietary recommendations for children and adolescents. Torsten Spranger, press spokesman in the Bremen Association of Pediatricians, now wants to encourage at the federal level to put together recommendations for the nutrition of children and adolescents. "After all, children are not small adults and have very specific requirements for caloric requirements and nutrient supply, especially in the growth phases." The head of the Department of Metabolism and Nutrition in Dr. Ing. from Haunerschen Children's Hospital of the University of Munich, Berthold Koletzko, called weak points: "Young children can not use the many fibers in the plant diet so well, the rich-fiber vegetables often ends up undigested again in the diaper." This is one reason why many Pronounce experts against a vegan diet for toddlers.
Balanced and colorful menu required
In any case, it's hard for children to know exactly if they are eating enough to absorb the nutrients and calories they need to grow and develop. This becomes even more complicated for vegan children: "Some nutrients, such as iron or zinc, are not as good for the body as from animal products," explained Professor Andreas Hahn, Head of the Institute of Food Science and Human Nutrition Leibniz University Hannover. "We have found in studies that even a high intake of vegetable iron is often insufficient to avoid deficiency symptoms. With a pure plant diet, it is difficult to ensure the supply of nutrients. "Hahn said:" If necessary, with a profound nutritional knowledge, it is possible to nourish children healthy on a vegan way. "Required is a very balanced and colorful diet, not only fruits and vegetables but also contains nuts, seeds, lots of grains and supplements. In his opinion, it would not work without targeted nutrient supplementation.
B12 deficiency in children can quickly lead to irreparable damage
Vegans should definitely avoid a vitamin B12 deficiency. The vitamin occurs almost exclusively in animal products. Basically, it is important to know which foods contain the most nutrients. In adults, B12 stores can last for many years, but in children, a deficiency can quickly lead to neurological damage and anemia. "Until parents notice that with their child, irreparable damage may have already arisen," said Koletzko. In his Munich clinic, he has already cared for some children with B12 deficiency. Nevertheless, he has high respect for the ethical motives of vegan parents: "A vegetable-based diet also has many health benefits." However, it must be well planned and accompanied in children. The expert recommends that parents talk openly about the vegan diet with the supervising pediatrician and that they perform all the prescribed tests. Furthermore, because of the increased nutritional requirements, Koletzko recommends the use of a multi-nutrient preparation at least until he enters school: "In addition to the obligatory vitamin B12, this should also contain iron, zinc and iodine and, if possible, also vitamin D." (ad)