Vegetarian child: consequences. What foods are necessary for children

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

In today's society, various nutritional methods are becoming increasingly popular. There are many followers of separate nutrition, vegetarianism, raw food and all kinds of other diets. It is believed that a special style of nutrition will help maintain normal weight, improve the body and allow you to stay in good shape for a long time. However, different eating styles are not always beneficial for he alth and bring the desired result. One of the most famous dietary practices is vegetarianism. Many young people are keen on such a system, who subsequently want to raise a vegetarian child. From childhood, mothers and fathers accustom their crumbs only to plant foods, believing that this will only benefit their he alth. But doctors are not so unambiguous in their opinion and even sound the alarm because of possible negative consequences.

What does it mean - vegetarianism?

Vegetarianism as a culture is not a newfangled trend at all. Howa special system of nutrition, it has been practiced for several centuries. However, in many cases, people did not pay tribute to fashion or tried to improve their he alth. The thing is that meat was considered a luxury and was sometimes available only to the we althy segments of the population. Others had to be content with plant foods that can be grown on the ground. A vegetarian child in developing countries is a common occurrence because his parents can only afford non-animal food.

Vegetarianism, when viewed as a style of eating, implies a complete rejection of the use of meat products. At the same time, it is forbidden to eat not only meat, but also eggs and milk. As a result, a vegetarian child is missing out on many of the nutrients found only in animal foods.

Among the allowed foods for vegetarians are:

• vegetables;
• fruit;
• cereals;
• berries;
• nuts.

Of course, there are people who eat this way for reasons beyond their control. But according to statistics, about 2% of the world's people consume such food consciously. But it is not known exactly how many children are among them.

Vegan vs Vegetarian: What's the difference?

Vegetarianism is a broad concept meaning the rejection of animal protein. But among this system there are subspecies, where veganism is the most strict in the choice of allowed products. If not strict adherents allow themselves to use infood milk, eggs and honey, because they do not contain the blood of a slaughtered animal, then vegans even dishes based on them are banned.

However, many adherents are gaining veganism and vegetarianism. What is the difference between styles? In the latter case, a person can eat bread, cheese, yogurt. Vegans cannot afford this, because the same bakery products are made on the basis of eggs and milk, cheese - on the basis of cream.

Vegetarianism and children

Many adherents of a he althy diet believe that a vegetarian child will grow up absolutely he althy. However, most doctors hold a fundamentally opposite opinion. But on their arguments about the dangers of eating only plant foods, there are a hundred facts that refute this opinion. So where is the truth and whose statements should be relied upon when choosing food for children?

• Firstly, the diet of a vegetarian child consists entirely of vegetables and fruits. As you know, they are a storehouse of vitamins and minerals. In addition, they are very rich in trace elements and fiber, which contributes to normal digestion.
• Second, plant-based foods can provide a growing body with nutrients and energy. However, the portions will be slightly larger. But at the same time, the baby will not feel hungry and lack useful trace elements.
• Third, all plant foods have a beneficial effect on the he alth of the crumbs. Usually a vegetarian child does not experience digestive problems,it does not cause constipation. In addition, strict adherents of such a nutrition system carefully monitor the presence of harmful additives in food and try to avoid them. Therefore, only useful products enter the baby's body.

Recently, due to the growing popularity of fast food, an increasing number of children are obese. Vegetarian children are almost completely immune to this.

Negative effects of vegetarianism

From the above pluses, we can conclude that a vegetarian child can be completely he althy. The consequences of such a power system are still there and quite significant. Pediatricians and many nutritionists agree that the human body needs meat and, in particular, animal protein. Therefore, vegetarianism is not suitable for the full growth and development of the baby.

If we consider the main harm from vegetarianism for children, then in the first place are the under-received vitamins. In food of plant origin, there is practically no such important vitamin as B12. It is especially necessary during the period of active growth and maturation. If it is lacking, then they can develop:

• anemia;
• mental disorders;
• blood clotting disorders.

Furthermore, fruits and vegetables are very low in calcium, zinc and iron. Their main source is dairy and meat products, which vegetarians do not eat.

Animal protein for vegetarians is strictly prohibited. But it is he who is the main building element, and replacing himvegetable does not always lead to significant results. Of course, legumes are rich in vegetable protein, but many experts in the field of baby food are sure that this is not enough for the rapid development and growth of children. As a result, the body is forced to use internal reserves, and therefore, to work for wear. As practice shows, the growth of such children is slowed down, and fatigue rates are slightly higher.

Difficulties in compiling the menu

In order for plant foods to provide the growing body with everything it needs, it must be varied and balanced. Protein for vegetarians comes from legumes, vitamins from raw fruits and vegetables, and nutrients from cereals. So that the child does not need any substances and grows up he althy, the menu should consist of:

• raw and baked vegetables, fruits;
• porridge;
• hot and cold soups;
• casseroles;
• salads, etc.

But it is very difficult to constantly monitor diversity in terms of employment, travel, visits, kindergarten and school visits.

Vegetarian from birth

Is it possible for a child to be a vegetarian - only his parents decide. The controversy about this does not subside, so it is important to provide the baby with all the necessary nutrients if the choice is made in favor of a plant-based menu. Such food is able to provide the child with everything necessary at all stages of his growth, only the diet will have to be painstakingly and competently.

It is important to be clear about whatfeed a vegetarian child so that he does not need protein, vitamins, trace elements and nutrients. A plant-based diet may well provide this, because it is high in calories and contains everything you need. In addition, it is in vegetables, fruits and grains that there are fiber, phytochemicals and antioxidant vitamins.

Feeding children up to a year

The best food for a vegetarian baby up to a year is mother's milk. In this case, experts agree that in order to maintain natural immunity and harmonious development, the baby should receive only breast milk. Replace it with a possibly adapted mixture if the baby is bottle-fed.

In the middle of the first year of life, supplementary feeding in the form of dairy-free cereals can be introduced. Steamed or water-cooked vegetables, which are then mashed, are also recommended.

At the age of 8-9 months, a vegetarian child can eat chopped walnuts, which are added to vegetable or fruit puree. The product is rich in easily digestible protein, which can replace the animal. At this age, you can offer the baby pureed lentils, in which you need to add some vegetables. Such a dish can also replace meat. At the age of about a year, a child can already eat avocados. As for other vegetables and fruits, the recommendations are the same as for children who consume meat and fish puree. You can offer:

• zucchini;
• carrot;
• pumpkin;
• apple;
• pear;
• broccoli.

If parents decide to instill vegetarian habits in their child, then pediatricians advise not to stop breastfeeding as long as possible.

What foods are needed for vegetarian children?

An adult can quite easily create a diet for himself by including all the necessary foods in the menu and adding vitamins to them. But things are more complicated with babies, because a little fussy person can simply refuse spinach beans, which were supposed to provide him with protein and fiber. In addition, the amount of food eaten may be significantly less than recommended in order to get all the necessary elements.

Still, nutritionists urge not to force children to eat, you need to focus on their own satiety threshold. Moreover, vegetarianism involves teaching children to feel the individual limit when food is no longer needed.

But adherents of plant foods usually do not face obesity. Such a menu is usually low-calorie, therefore, to provide energy, it is necessary to add vegetable oil, avocado slices, walnuts to the child's dish. You can diversify the taste of dishes and replace sunflower oil:

• olive;
• linen;
• hemp;
• from pumpkin seeds.

All the same, parents whose children are vegetarians should be especially attentive to their diet. Next, let's look at especially important elements and products from which they can be obtained.

Protein is a building material

For the development and growth of the baby, andadult human, protein is an important element. To ensure the intake of this substance in the body, the diet should be rich in legumes. At the same time, diversity is equally important so that the baby gets all the necessary amino acids. What should the child eat:

• beans;
• sunflower seeds;
• almonds;
• tofu cheese;
• buckwheat.

Chia seeds are known to be an excellent source of vegetable protein. But in order to purchase them, you need to visit a vegetarian store. They are more common in large cities, residents of small settlements have to look for products in online purchases.

Calcium for bone he alth

Without calcium, it is impossible to build a skeleton and normal growth. It has been proven that almost half of a percent of bone mass is already formed by primary school age. In subsequent years, the other half is formed. But the main source of calcium is dairy products, which are strictly prohibited for vegans. If the baby lives in a strict family, and even dairy-based products are prohibited, then it is necessary to provide him with an alternative.

What do vegetarians eat? List of foods containing calcium:

• tofu;
• green leafy vegetables (kale, broccoli);
• legumes;
• almonds;
• spinach;
• oranges.

It is important to monitor the condition of the baby and undergo regular check-ups with a pediatrician. If the doctor prescribes additional calcium supplements, thenit is worth refusing.

Iron - for hematopoiesis

For the formation of red blood cells, the intake of iron is essential. Usually the element comes with beef, but vegetarians do not eat meat. It should be understood that iron deficiency directly affects brain activity, and the baby's cognitive activity may suffer. Nutritionists believe that a baby who is fed only plant foods should receive double the amount of iron. This is due to the fact that the element obtained from plants is much less absorbed.

What do vegetarians eat? List of foods containing iron:

• green onion;
• prune;
• dried apricots;
• dates;
• broccoli;
• legumes;
• whole grains.

It is worth considering that vegetable iron is much better absorbed when consumed together with vitamin C. Thus, a broccoli salad with dried apricots and lemon juice will be much more useful.

Special Vitamins

All vitamins are important for the development and full growth of the child's body. But vitamins D and B12 are in a special place.

Vitamin D is important for better absorption of calcium and, therefore, he althy teeth and strong bones. If a child does not eat butter and other animal products, then it is extremely important for him to get sunbaths daily. To provide a daily dose, it is enough to be in the sun for about 20 minutes. However, in the winter season this will not be enough, and it is difficult to obtain an element from plant foods. Therefore, pediatricianssuggest offering children a nutritional supplement containing this vitamin.

Vitamin B12 plays a special role. It affects the development of the brain and nervous system, is responsible for the formation of red blood cells, and is involved in multiple processes in the body. The main sources of the element are traditionally considered:

• eggs;
• meat;
• shellfish;
• dairy products.

Vegetarians do not use all of the above. Therefore, nutritionists advise them to take a food supplement containing vitamin B12. However, there are products that will help make up for the lack of this element:

• nutritional yeast;
• seaweed.

Nutritional yeast comes in the form of flakes. It is a natural product that is grown from microorganisms. It has a specific cheese taste, so children enjoy using it. It is also recommended to add cereal to vegetable dishes, which makes them even more flavorful and he althier.

Docosahexaenoic polyunsaturated fatty acid

The substance is part of Omega-3. It is not synthesized by the human body, therefore, it can only be obtained from food. The element is indispensable in the formation of the brain and nervous system of the baby. To ensure its intake into the body, it is necessary to eat shrimp, fish. Vegetarians can make up for their lack of acid by eating hemp seeds, walnuts, and flaxseeds.

However, the herbal ingredients are clearly not enoughthis element, and children simply need it. Specialized vegetarian stores come to the aid of parents, where you can buy nutritional supplements containing polyunsaturated fatty acids in the required amount.

Conclusions

Vegetarianism for children can be safe and even beneficial if parents can provide a complete diet for the baby. It is important that the menu fully satisfies the growing body in nutrients, minerals and vitamins. In addition, doctors and nutritionists believe that plant foods should always be on the table in any case, regardless of what views the family adheres to on nutrition.