Can a child thrive on a vegan diet? The answer is yes! Far more studies show that a typical 'Western Diet' has deleterious effects on health compared to the risks of a vegan diet. In fact, vegetarian diets are associated with disease resistance and even higher I.Q.'s in children. (1-5)
With proper planning and a bit of self-education, parents should feel confident in giving their child a diet free of animal products.
Healthy food choices include the following:
Protein dense foods: beans, soy, whole grains, nuts, etc.
Calcium sources: beans, leafy greens, figs, blackstrap molasses, fortified beverages, etc.
Iron sources: grains, dried fruit, coconut milk, blackstrap molasses, soybeans, beans, etc.
Zinc sources: nuts, seeds, grains, chickpeas, soybeans, etc.
Avoid wheat and nuts until after one year of age, to avoid possible food sensitivities.
Supplementation may be necessary for children who are picky eaters, but most nutritional needs can be met through diet. Vitamins D and B12 may be the exception, and parents should ensure an optimal supply through fortified foods or supplements.
Finding community support can be very important in helping your child maintain healthy eating habits, as vegan diets are often misunderstood and even feared by well-meaning family members, neighbours, and teachers. Many excellent resources exist that can help educate those in your child's life who have concerns, and possibly alleviate any misconceptions they may have.
Raising a child on a vegan diet can be challenging in today's world of hot-dogs and ice cream, but parents should be assured that research is on their side.
The following sources are particularly supportive of vegan diets for children:
The Vegetarian Society UK http://www.vegsoc.org
The Vegetarian Resource Group http://www.vrg.org
European Vegetarian Union http://www.ivu.org
Physician's Committee For Responsible Medicine http://www.pcrm.org
Becoming Vegan Brenda Davis, R.D., and Vesanto Melina, M.S., R.D.
1. O'Connell JM, Dibley MJ, Sierra J et al: Growth of vegetarian children: The Farm Study. Pediatrics 1989;84:475-481.
2. Fisher M, Levine PH, Weiner B, et al. The effects of vegetarian diets on plasma lipid and platelet levels. Arch Inter Med 1986;146:1193-1197.
3. Chang-Claude J, Frentzel-Beyme R, Eilber U. Mortality pattern of German vegetarians after 11 years of follow-up. Epidemiology 1992;3:395-401.
4. Thorogood M, Mann J, Appleby P, McPherson K. Risk of death from cancer and ischaemic heart disease in meat and non-meat eaters. Brit Med J 1994;308:1667 -1670.
5. Dwyer JT, Miller LG, Arduino NL, et al. Mental age and I.Q. of predominately vegetarian children. J Am Dietetic Assoc 1980;76:142-147.
Stacelynn Caughlan is a Clinical Nutritionist and Certified Herbalist who specializes in pregnancy, birth and childhood. She is currently the editor of http://www.motherandchildhealth.com an online resource for women looking for information on natural health and healing for themselves and their families.
one time home cleaning Morton Grove ..Do we really need a home water filter? Can't we... Read More
Can the colors on your plate tell you what health... Read More
PROTEIN DEFICIENT? CHANCES ARE YOU ARE!Did you know that 9... Read More
For any kid who grew up eating doughy, thick Wonder... Read More
What is the Atkins diet and how can it help... Read More
Some fats are good for you. Your body can't function... Read More
Most recipes end with instructions to "serve immediately." You could... Read More
Proper hydration is extremely important during exercise. Adequate fluid intake... Read More
A lot of people I've talked with about health supplements... Read More
Before the thirties, people knew the importance of mineral. Their... Read More
Fat is a nutrient that is a contributor to the... Read More
The old clich? that you are what you eat is... Read More
Recently yet another super-heavyweight Iron Immortal died from a heart... Read More
Archeological records indicate that man has cultivated the olive tree... Read More
(Part 1 of a Special 5 Part Series on Body... Read More
Fiber is the part of the plant that is resistant... Read More
1. Water. If you're thirsty you're already dehydrated. The majority... Read More
Liquid vitamin mineralThe liquid vitamin mineral dietary supplement is a... Read More
Established in 1989 by Stephen DeFelice, "Foundation for Innovation in... Read More
I'm going to be a bit radical here, but know... Read More
The fact that diet directly affects behaviour is no news,... Read More
Dr. Barry Sears revolutionized nutritional thinking around the world with... Read More
The field of nutrition is awash with charts, tables, diagrams,... Read More
Unfortunately, it has been proved beyond doubt that a large... Read More
Incorporating these fat loss tips will improve your nutrition program.... Read More
eco-friendly cleaning service Glencoe ..Liquid vitamin mineralThe liquid vitamin mineral dietary supplement is a... Read More
What ancient tribes and people of the Amazon have known... Read More
Are You Half The Man Your Father Was?It is a... Read More
Salt is vital for our health. Right now, you have... Read More
Weight loss plans are almost always trying to get you... Read More
Picture yourself in one of the following scenarios.You're cruising along... Read More
Fats (triacylglycerols) ...Some basic terminology ...fat or fatty acid ...In... Read More
When you actually sit down and think about it, bottled... Read More
Are there any benefits to be obtained from drinking water... Read More
When you take your food next time, take care of... Read More
What is your brain made ofOver 50% of your brain... Read More
You may have noticed an ever-expanding choice of oils at... Read More
Are you worried yet about your health? Are you anxious... Read More
Mango is my favorite fruit next to pineapples. They're sweet,... Read More
Diet nutrition physiqueToday, learning about diet nutrition physique isn't all... Read More
You can eat whole flax seeds but you need to... Read More
People who consume too much alcohol have good chance of... Read More
The factors that affect the nutritional requirements of an individual... Read More
How Can... Read More
Following a diet program of any sort can sometimes be... Read More
The debate regarding Fluoride continues to rage, is it good... Read More
Here's food for thought! Did you know the average restaurant... Read More
Fibromyalgia is a chronic and potentially life-altering disorder with symptoms... Read More
As any student of chemistry will assure you, acids and... Read More
Our diet is an essential factor for the formation of... Read More
Nutrition |