Vegetarianism is a popular choice for many individuals and
families. But parents may wonder if kids can safely follow a
vegetarian diet and still get all necessary nutrients. Most dietary
and medical experts agree that a well-planned vegetarian diet can
actually be a very healthy way to eat.
But special care must be taken when serving kids and teens a
vegetarian diet, especially if it doesn't include dairy and egg
products. And as with any diet, you'll need to understand that
the nutritional needs of kids change as they grow.
Types of Vegetarian Diets
Before your child or family switches to a vegetarian diet,
it's important to note that all vegetarian diets are not alike.
Major vegetarian categories include:
-
ovo-vegetarian:
eats eggs; no meat
-
lacto-ovo vegetarian:
eats dairy and egg products; no meat
-
lacto-vegetarian:
eats dairy products; no eggs or meat
-
vegan:
eats only food from plant sources
And many other people are semi-vegetarians who have eliminated
red meat, but may eat poultry or fish.
The Choice of Vegetarianism
Kids or families may follow a vegetarian diet for a variety of
reasons. Younger vegetarians are usually part of a family that eats
vegetarian meals for health, cultural, or other reasons. Older kids
may decide to become vegetarians because of concern for animals,
the environment, or their own health.
In most cases, you shouldn't be alarmed if your child
chooses vegetarianism. Discuss what it means and how to implement
it, ensuring your child makes healthy and nutritious food
choices.
Nutrition for All Ages
Your doctor or a registered dietitian can help you plan and
monitor a healthy vegetarian diet. Parents should give their kids a
variety of foods that provide enough calories and nutrients to
enable them to grow normally.
A well-planned vegetarian diet can meet kids' nutritional
needs and has some health benefits. For example, a diet rich in
fruits and veggies will be high in fiber and low in fat, factors
known to improve cardiovascular health by reducing blood
cholesterol and maintaining a healthy weight. However, kids and
teens on a vegetarian diet may need to be careful that they get an
adequate amount of certain vitamins and minerals.
Here are nutrients that vegetarians should get and some of their
best food sources:
-
vitamin B12:
dairy products, eggs, and vitamin-fortified products, such as
cereals, breads, and soy and rice drinks, and nutritional yeast
-
vitamin D:
milk, vitamin D-fortified orange juice, and other vitamin
D-fortified products
-
calcium:
dairy products, dark green leafy vegetables, broccoli, dried
beans, and calcium-fortified products, including orange juice,
soy and rice drinks, and cereals
-
protein:
dairy products, eggs, tofu and other soy products, dried beans,
and nuts
-
iron:
eggs, dried beans, dried fruits, whole grains, leafy green
vegetables, and iron-fortified cereals and bread
-
zinc:
wheat germ, nuts, fortified cereal, dried beans, and pumpkin
seeds
Depending on the type of vegetarian diet chosen, kids may miss
out on some of these important nutrients if the diet isn't
monitored by the parents. The less restrictive the vegetarian diet,
the easier it will be for your child to get enough of the necessary
nutrients. In some cases, fortified foods or supplements can help
meet nutritional needs.
Vegetarian Infants
The main sources of protein and nutrients for infants are breast
milk and formula (soy formula for vegan infants), especially in the
first 6 months of life. Breastfed infant vegans should receive a
source of vitamin B12, if the mother's diet isn't
supplemented, and breastfed infants and infants drinking less than
32 ounces (1 liter) formula should get vitamin D supplements.
Guidelines for the introduction of solid foods are the same for
vegetarian and nonvegetarian infants. Breastfed infants 6 months
and older should receive iron from complementary foods, such as
iron-fortified infant cereal.
Once an infant is introduced to solids, protein-rich vegetarian
foods can include pureed tofu, cottage cheese, yogurt or soy
yogurt, and pureed and strained legumes (legumes include beans,
peas, chickpeas, and lentils).
Vegetarian Toddlers
Toddlers are already a challenge when it comes to eating. As
they come off of breast milk or formula, kids are at risk for
nutritional deficiencies. After the age of 1, strict vegan diets
may not offer growing toddlers enough essential vitamins and
minerals, such as vitamin D, vitamin B12, iron, calcium, and zinc.
So it's important to serve fortified cereals and nutrient-dense
foods. Vitamin supplementation is recommended for young children
whose diets may not provide adequate nutrients.
Toddlers are typically picky about which foods they'll eat
and, as a result, some may not get enough calories from a
vegetarian diet to thrive. For vegan toddlers, the amount of
vegetables needed for proper nutrition and calories may be too
bulky for their tiny stomachs. During the picky toddler stage,
it's important for vegetarian parents to make sure their young
child eats enough calories. You can get enough fat and calories in
a vegan child's diet, but you have to plan carefully.
Older Vegetarian Kids and Teens
Preteens and teens often voice their independence through the
foods they choose to eat. One strong statement is the decision to
stop eating meat. This is common among teens, who may decide to
embrace vegetarianism in support of animal rights, for health
reasons, or because friends are doing it.
If it's done right, a meat-free diet can actually be a good
choice for adolescents, especially considering that vegetarians
often eat more of the foods that most teens don't get enough of
- fruits and vegetables.
A vegetarian diet that includes dairy products and eggs
(lacto-ovo) is the best choice for growing teens. A more strict
vegetarian diet may fail to meet a teen's need for certain
nutrients, such as iron, zinc, calcium, and vitamins D and B12. If
you're concerned that your child is not getting enough of these
important nutrients, talk to your doctor, who may recommend a
vitamin and mineral supplement.
The good news for young vegetarians - and their parents - is
that many schools are offering vegetarian fare, including salad
bars and other healthy vegetarian choices. Schools publish lists of
upcoming lunch menus; be sure to scan them to see if your child
will have a vegetarian choice. If not, you can pack lunch. That old
standby - a peanut butter and jelly sandwich - is a great fast
vegetarian lunch.
If your vegetarian preteen or teen would rather make his or her
own school lunch or opts to buy lunch, keep in mind that your
child's idea of a healthy vegetarian meal may be much different
from yours (e.g., french fries and a soda). Talk to your child
about the importance of eating right, especially when following a
vegetarian diet.
Also be wary if your child has self-imposed a very restrictive
diet. A teen with an
eating disorder
may drastically reduce calories or cut out all fat or carbohydrates
and call it "vegetarianism" because it's considered
socially acceptable and healthy.
Even if preteens or teens are approaching vegetarianism in a
healthy way, it's still important for them to understand which
nutrients might be missing in their diet. To support your
child's dietary decision and promote awareness of the kinds of
foods your preteen or teen should be eating, consider having the
whole family eat a vegetarian meal at least one night a week.
A Healthy Lifestyle
A vegetarian diet can be a healthy choice for all kids, as long
as it's properly planned.
The principles of planning a vegetarian diet are the same as
planning any healthy diet - provide a variety of foods and include
foods from all of the food groups. A balanced diet will provide the
right combinations to meet nutritional needs. But be aware of
potential nutrient deficiencies in your child's diet and figure
out how you'll account for them. With a little exploration, you
may find more vegetarian options than you realized.
If you aren't sure your child is getting all necessary
nutrients or if you have any questions about vegetarian diets,
check in with your family doctor, pediatrician, or a registered
dietitian.
Reviewed by:
Mary L. Gavin, MD
Date reviewed: October 2008
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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