Recommendations:

Vegetarian diets that include some animal products (lacto-vegetarian and lacto-ovovegetarian) are nutritionally sound. Vegan diets require careful planning in order to obtain adequate amounts of required nutrients. The following are recommendations for feeding vegetarian children.

• Breast milk or formula should be the basis of the diet until age 1. (See: Diet for age)
• Milk or a fortified soy formula should be used.
• Fat should not be limited for a child younger than age 2.
• Children who do not drink milk or a fortified substitute may lack the following nutrients: calcium, protein, vitamin D, riboflavin. Such children may need a vitamin and mineral supplement.
• Vitamin B12 supplements must be used if no animal products are eaten.
• Adequate iron intake is difficult to achieve if meat is not consumed. Good sources of iron include prunes and prune juice, fortified cereals and grain products, raisins, and spinach.

NOTE: A registered dietician should review any specialized diet to make sure it meets you or your child's nutritional needs. This should be done before starting the diet.