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Vegetarianism - Recommendations

Alternative Names

Lacto-ovovegetarian; Semi-vegetarian; Partial vegetarian; Vegan; Lacto-vegetarian

Recommendations:

Vegetarian diets that include some animal products (lacto-vegetarian and lacto-ovovegetarian) are nutritionally sound. Vegan diets need to be carefully planned to include the right amounts of important nutrients.

The following are recommendations for feeding children on vegetarian diets:

  • Make breast milk or formula the basis of the diet until age 1. (See: Diet for age)
  • Use milk or a fortified soy formula.
  • Do not limit fat in 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, and may need a vitamin and mineral supplement.
  • Children who do not eat animal products must take vitamin B12 supplements.
  • It is hard to get enough iron intake if the child does not eat meat.

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.

  • Reviewed last on: 5/5/2011
  • Alison Evert, MS, RD, CDE, Nutritionist, University of Washington Medical Center Diabetes Care Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

National Academy of Sciences. Institute of Medicine. Food and Nutrition Board. Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy, Carbohydrate, Fiber, Fat, Fatty Acids, Cholesterol, Protein, and Amino Acids (Macronutrients). National Academy Press. Washington, D.C., 2005.

National Academy of Sciences. Institute of Medicine. Food and Nutrition Board. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc. National Academy Press. Washington, D.C., 2005.

Escott-Stump S. Nutrition and Diagnosis-Related Care. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2008.

United States Department of Agriculture. Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion. Dietary Guidelines for Americans. 2010. National Academy Press, Washington, D.C. 2010.

Sarubin Fragaakis A, Thomson C. The Health Professionals Guide to Popular Dietary Supplements. 3rd ed. Chicago, Il. American Dietetic Association, 2007.

Office of Dietary Supplements. National Institutes of Health. Accessed on February 14, 2011.

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