What are the nutritional considerations for children following a vegetarian diet?
Protein
Vitamin D
Calcium
Iron
A well-planned vegetarian diet is appropriate for all stages of life, including pregnancy and lactation.
Possible deficiencies in vegetarian children include iron, vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium, zinc, and protein.
The best source of protein for infants is breast milk, and for older children, legumes, tofu, dairy, eggs, nuts, and nut butter are good sources.
Vitamin D can be obtained through fortified foods such as soy milk, rice milk, fortified orange juice, and cereals.
Calcium can be obtained through dairy products, fortified soy milk, rice milk, fortified orange juice, kale, broccoli, almonds, and Brazil nuts.
Iron can be obtained through fortified cereals, legumes, and consuming vitamin C-rich foods can enhance iron absorption.