Vegetarian Concerns


The vegetarian population is constantly expanding in the U.S. With growing concerns over growth hormones, genetic engineering, and foodborne illneses, who blames them? If you are part of this population, you may be concerned about the nutrition status of your children.

There are few nutrients and minerals that are not readily available in the vegetarian diet. This includes Vitamin B-12, Vitamin D, Calcium, Zinc, and Iron. The following will provide you with tips for getting these nutrients into your child's growing body.

Vitamin B12 Vitamin B12 is found only in animals. Unless you are a lacto-ovo vegetarian, you will lack this vitamin in your diet. Therefore, you child may need to have a vitamin b12 supplement. This nutrient is responsible for the growth and development of your child.

Vitamin D Like vitamin B12, vitamin D also is mostly found in animal products. However, if you allow your child to get a little sun every other day their bodies can manufacture it. You can also find this vitamin in fortified cereals. Vitamin D is necessary for healthy bones. It helps with the absorption of calcium.

Calcium You can find calcium in foods such as spinach, almonds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, fortified cereals, and fortified soy or rice milk. Of course, the best known sources milk and cheese. Calcium is necessary for healthy bones and healthy teeth.

Zinc Zinc can be found in beans, pumpkin seeds, and in whole grain pastas and cereals. This nutrient is necessary for your child's growth and mental ability.

Iron Iron can be found in many green leafy vegetables, dried fruits, and grains. However, it is not readily available. To counteract that effect, combine vegetables with a source of Vitamin C such as oranges, orange juice, lime, lemons, and peppers. Iron is also available in fortified cereals.

Don't let these concerns scare you. Studies show that vegetarian grow okay without the addition of meat to the diet. If you are truly concerned about the absence of meat in the diet, consult you pediatrician and/or a registered dietitian for more information and tips about your child's diet. Furthermore, only give your child a supplement if advised by your pediatrician.

For more information: American Dietetic Association http://www.eatright.org

The Vegetarian Society of the United Kingdom http://www.vegsoc.org/

Veggie Life http://www.veggielife.com

eVegetarians.com http://www.eVegetarians.com

The copyright of the article Vegetarian Concerns in Infant & Child Nutrition is owned by Vanessa Selene Williams. Permission to republish Vegetarian Concerns in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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