Plant-Based Diets: A Primer for School Nurses

As the primary healthcare professionals in the school setting, school nurses field questions about diet and exercise. Nurses' familiarity with nutrition and dietary patterns can help them respond to student concerns. Plant-based diets, those which promote eating mostly fruits and vegetables with smaller portions of animal foods, have recently gained popularity in the United States. Most plant foods are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and complex carbohydrates, as well as vitamins and minerals that support good health and maintenance of a healthy weight. Most children and adolescents can meet their nutrient needs on a plant-based diet, but should be careful to include a wide variety of foods in the diet in order to achieve nutrient adequacy.