No vegan diet for toddlers?

Children often lack nutrients in vegan diets

04/10/2014

More and more people refrain, among other things because of numerous food scandals, to eat animal products. But this diet could be problematic for some populations. For example, it could lead to a lack of nutrients in infants.

Not sufficiently supplied with nutrients
Numerous food scandals have ensured that more and more people are deciding not to use animal products altogether. According to estimates by the Vegetarian Federation (VGE), there are about 800,000 people nationwide who eat vegan food. But for toddlers and infants, a vegan diet is not recommended, according to some experts. Wolfram Hartmann, pediatrician in the network funded by the Federal Nutrition Ministry „Healthy in life“ about says: „In a purely plant-based diet without animal food, small children are not sufficiently supplied with nutrients.“

Vegetarian diet is better for kids than vegan
Therefore, a vegan diet often leads to a lack of protein, iron, calcium, iodine and zinc. There is also a lack of B vitamins, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids. This could disturb the growth and development of the child. A vegetarian lifestyle, which also includes milk, dairy products and eggs, is more suitable than a vegan diet. However, if parents opt for a vegan diet, then they should seek medical advice and give their child important nutrients to supplement. „The risk of nutrient deficiency is high, especially with a very one-sided diet“, so Hartmann.

Pay attention to a balanced diet
People who choose not to use animal products on their diet just as well as others need to look for a balanced diet. Of course, eating only vegan fast food is not healthy and leads to a lack of nutrients. Some shortcomings that can occur due to meatless diet, but are easy to accomplish. For example, you get iron from nuts and whole grains and calcium from dark green vegetables like arugula and soy products. People who adhere to the principles of a balanced vegan diet are usually less likely to be overweight and have a reduced risk of lifestyle diseases such as high blood pressure or diabetes mellitus due to their low-fat and low-cholesterol diets. (Sb)