of vegan Diets are becoming more popular with many new parents choosing to raise their children vegan, but some nutritionists and researchers have expressed concerns about infant diets, stifling growth. and could lead to serious health complications that could endanger children. risk of undernourishment.
The vegan diet sparked controversy on TikTokUnder the hashtag #VeganBaby, many mothers have elaborated on the benefits of raising their infants vegan, stating that their children are 1 Describe what you are eating during the day.
However, many critics of the #VeganBaby trend have raised concerns that children may experience complications later on if they decide they don’t want to live a vegan lifestyle.
Should You Raise Your Child Vegan or Vegetarian? A Nutritionist Participates
Many mothers on TikTok encourage vegan diets for their infants.
(TikTok/@cccherrybomb.c, @myblackgirlroots, @heyashleyrenne)
“Kids eat such small amounts when they start eating solids, and restricting food choices that may help them grow and thrive can help them understand how dangerous nutritional deficiencies can be at this time of year. It just seems like an unnecessary risk to me when you know,” pediatric nutritionist Cinthia Scott told Fox News Digital. “Her first two years are a period of rapid growth and development that will shape her long-term health, so it is very important to ensure proper nutrition.”
When children lack many necessary nutrients, the effects of the deficiency are usually not seen until later in life. It aims to optimize neurodevelopmental growth, which can affect long-term health.
A group of vegan activists demonstrate in front of the International Convention Center as the UN Climate Summit COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, on November 7, 2022.
((Photo by Mohamed Abdel Hamid/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images))
As a pediatric nutritionist, Scott choice of parents She speculates that it may be because many people have a belief that meat leads to illness, or because they are concerned about animal welfare.
“Many parents are not educated about the importance of getting enough iron, fat and vitamin B12 in the first two years of life, and adherence to a plant-based diet is a healthier alternative for children. I believe there is..
Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency in children, even among those who are regularly provided with animal-derived products. Iron deficiency can cause long-term neurological delay. “It’s so important to get enough iron in the first few years of life,” she added.
Milk is usually an important part of a young child’s diet, but vegans opt for milk alternatives, and research on the best milk alternatives for babies varies.
The UK’s NHS states that goat- or cow’s milk-based infant formulas are the ‘only suitable substitute for breast milk’ for infants under 12 months of age and that soy-based formulas are recommended only on medical advice. It states that it should only be used if “The Beginning of Life” website has been updated.
According to the “vegetarian or vegan diet” category of the website, after the age of 1, it is considered appropriate to give babies unsweetened, calcium-fortified plant-based beverages such as soy milk, oat milk, and almond milk. I’m here.
“It is important to remember that milk and dairy products are excellent sources of nutrition, so do not exclude them from your child’s diet without first consulting your doctor or nutritionist. can be advised on alternatives for said.
The NHS is also aware of potential nutritional deficiencies associated with vegan or vegetarian diets.
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The ‘V is for Vegan’ book owned by parents Emily Shim and young son Henry (not pictured) on Pok Fu Lam Road, Hong Kong, August 9, 2017. (Photo by Nora Tam/South China Morning Post via Getty Images)
(Photo credit: Nora Tam/South China Morning Post via Getty Images)
“Babies may also need specific supplements in addition to the usual vitamin supplements recommended for all babies,” says the guidance. Feeding babies need supplements containing vitamin B12 or foods fortified with vitamin B12.”
A study conducted by University College London (UCL) examined 187 vegan, vegetarian, meat- and dairy-eating children between the ages of 5 and 10 and found that children on a vegan diet found to be on average 1.2 inches shorter than the children of Vegan children also had lower bone mineral content, but less body fat and lower levels of bad cholesterol.
While many vegans turn to supplements to ensure they’re getting enough vitamins and minerals, Scott says the nutrients in supplements are absorbed as efficiently as those found in naturally occurring food sources. I warned you not to.
“Supplements can help ensure adequate nutritional intake for vegans and people on restricted diets due to food allergies, but without blood tests and continuous monitoring, supplements fill the gap. It would be difficult to say 100%,” she said.
Jonathan Wells, professor and leader of UCL research, recognizes the many reasons why many parents choose to raise vegan children, but historically there has been little understanding of the health impacts of children’s diets. We warned that there is little data to provide insight.
“We know people are increasingly drawn to plant-based diets for several reasons, including promoting animal welfare and reducing climate impact. A global shift to life is now recognized as critical to combating climate change, and we strongly support this effort.”
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“We also know that research on the health effects of these diets on children so far has been largely limited to assessments of height and weight, and has been conducted only in vegetarian children. “Our study provides considerable insight into the health effects of vegetarian and vegan diets in children.”
Vegan toys of parents Emily Sim and young son Henry (not pictured) on Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, August 9, 2017 (Photo by Nora Tam/South China Morning Post via Getty Images)
(Photo credit: Nora Tam/South China Morning Post via Getty Images)
“There’s no known science to show that children can’t properly digest food they’ve never eaten,” Scott said, but it could lead to allergies.
“We know that early exposure to allergens is recommended, so if you choose to avoid exposing your child to foods such as eggs and dairy until after the age of 12 months, you should Considered an increased risk of potential allergies, she said.
Both the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) have determined that vegan diets are safe, but do not elaborate on best practices, especially for infants.
According to a study conducted by the (AAP), “North American guidelines suggest that well-planned vegetarian and vegan diets are safe for people of all ages.” However, the Canadian Academy of Pediatrics says that a vegetarian diet may be nutritionally adequate if dairy and egg products are provided.
“Some European guidelines do not recommend a vegan diet for children due to the risk of nutritional deficiencies without proper clinical follow-up, serum monitoring and the use of supplements,” the study added. .
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According to the organization’s statement, “a well-planned vegetarian diet, including vegan, is healthy, nutritionally adequate, and can provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases.” I agree that there is “These diets are suitable for all stages of the life cycle, including pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and athletes.
