Vegetarian diet for children

It does not always have to be meat - even vegetarian nutrition offers children everything they need. The concern of some parents that the vegetarian diet could affect the development of children or cause deficiency symptoms, according to the nutritionist Kerstin Bernhardt, unfounded. The vegetarian-fed children threaten „No disadvantages if the parents pay attention to a balanced diet and not just omit the meat“, quotes the news agency „DAPD“ the ecotrophologist.

Vegetarian nutrition in children is no longer a rarity today. If the parents eat vegetarian, their children will in most cases grow flesh-less. Somewhat older children also deliberately decide against meat consumption because they regret the animals. Meat simply does not taste any other meat. As long as the principles of a balanced diet are complied with, the renunciation of meat is no disadvantage for the children, explained the diploma in ecotrophology and state-certified dietician Kerstin Bernhardt, who has been working as a nutritionist for 15 years.

Balanced varied diet also important for vegetarians
According to Kerstin Bernhardt, the nutrient requirements of the children can be met by a varied diet of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, milk and dairy products, even when meat is not eaten. To ensure the supply of iodine and omega-3 fatty acids, which are particularly important for the development of children, Bernhardt recommends the consumption of fish. However, vegetarians often abstain from both meat and fish. In this case, according to the expert, iodized table salt and the consumption of foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as soybeans, linseed or walnuts, help. In addition, vegetarian-fed children should eat enough ferrous food to prevent iron deficiency, Bernhardt continued.

Note iron requirements with vegetarian nutrition
The poorer supply of iron is a common one „Critic of the vegetarian diet“, Because iron from plant food can not use the organism as well as iron from animal food, explained the ecotrophologist. „Those who suffer from iron deficiency, feel quickly tired and beaten off, because iron is important for the transport of oxygen in the blood.“, so Bernhardt. According to the expert, to meet the iron needs of vegetarian-fed children, parents should pay particular attention to serving many ferrous foods such as pods, berries, nuts, wholegrain cereals, or green leafy vegetables (such as chard or spinach). It should also help the organism to absorb the vegetable iron „always be combined with vitamin C.“, advises the nutrition expert.

Live vegetarians healthier?
For example, a glass of orange juice is recommended for wholegrain bread, cereals can be enriched with a little fruit and whole-wheat noodles with a paprika sauce the necessary vitamin C are added, so Bernhardt. Vegetarian dishes, which not only cover the nutritional requirements, but also allow a flavor variation, are sufficiently available. Taking into account recent studies on vegetarian nutrition, meat abstinence is also recommended for children. For example, scientists at the University of Oxford have found that vegetarians are at significantly lower risk for heart disease. (Fp)