When Your Child Goes Vegetarian

Some vegetarian children are that way because that's how their family eats. Other youngsters, almost all usually in their teens and predominantly female, have made their own decision to ban meat from their diet.

Most nutrition experts and dietitians say that children of any age—even infants—can safely follow a vegetarian diet, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) says. But planning and daily close attention to the diet are involved to ensure that children receive the proper nutrients, especially if their diet does not include eggs and dairy products.

Different types

Vegetarian diets come in several flavors:

• Ovo vegetarians eat eggs, but no meat.

• Lacto-ovo vegetarians eat dairy products and eggs but no meat.

• Lacto vegetarians eat dairy products, but no eggs or meat.

• Vegans eat food that comes from plant sources only.

• Pesco vegetarians include fish in their diets.

• Pollo vegetarians include poultry.

Those who shun all animal products, including eggs and dairy, risk vitamin B12 deficiency and may need a B12 supplement, the USDA says. B12, crucial for development, is found only in animal products. Female vegans typically are iron deficient and may require iron supplements to maintain adequate iron levels. Check with your child's health care provider to see if a supplement is necessary.

Specific concerns

Here are some specific ages and concerns:

• Infants: Youngsters breastfed by vegan mothers may develop a B12 deficiency.

• Toddlers: Vegetarians in this age group may not grow as rapidly as their non-vegetarian counterparts.

• Children: Those who don't drink milk may have difficulty meeting the recommended calcium intake. Those whose diets include a large amount of fiber may develop mild trace mineral deficiencies, because fiber interferes with the absorption of these minerals. Vegan children are likely to be deficient in iron.

• Adolescents: Vegan teen girls may be deficient in vitamin B12. Vegetarian teen girls frequently are iron deficient. Teen boys and girls who don't drink milk may have difficulty meeting the recommended calcium intake.

Vegan children of all ages may have to rely more on fat for calories than do children who eat meat, milk, and eggs. This is because, with the exception of starchy vegetables, fruits and vegetables contain few calories. Fat-calorie consumption may exceed the recommended daily allotment of 30 percent.