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Feeding the vegan infant and child
Journal of the American Dietetic Association
|July 1, 1985
Summary
Vegetarian diets for infants and preschoolers may lack key nutrients like energy, protein, and vitamins B-12 and D, impacting growth. Strategies exist to ensure adequate nutrition within family dietary patterns.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Dietary Science
- Child Development
Background:
- Vegetarian diets are increasingly common for infants and preschoolers.
- Nutrient deficiencies can negatively impact growth and development in young children.
Purpose of the Study:
- Identify potential nutrient deficiencies in vegetarian diets for young children.
- Explore reasons for these deficiencies.
- Provide suggestions for meeting nutritional needs.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on vegetarian diets and child nutrition.
- Analysis of nutrient intake in vegetarian infants and preschoolers.
- Identification of factors contributing to nutrient gaps.
Main Results:
- Key nutrients of concern include energy, protein, calcium, iron, zinc, riboflavin, and vitamins B-12 and D.
- Deficiencies are linked to small stomach capacity, low-caloric-density foods, limited choices, and restricted eating frequency.
- Specific dietary strategies can address these nutrient shortfalls.
Conclusions:
- Careful planning is essential to ensure adequate nutrient intake for vegetarian infants and preschoolers.
- Dietary recommendations should consider cultural and family food practices.
- Addressing potential deficiencies supports healthy growth and development.