I am a vegetarian and would like my children to be vegetarian, too. How can I provide foods to meet their growth needs?
A lacto-ovo vegetarian diet that includes milk and eggs can meet a child’s needs for growth and development. For strict vegetarians (vegans), care must be taken in meal planning because the diet does not include milk or other animal products. Alternative food sources of some nutrients like protein, iron, calcium and vitamin B-12 must be used. In addition, the diet may consist of mainly low-calorie, high-fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables and grains. These foods are healthy, but can fill up the stomach before the child has eaten enough protein-rich foods. A registered dietitian can provide helpful information about vitamin and mineral supplements, meal planning and the amount of calories and protein needed for growth and development. The UCSF Medical Center Nutrition Department recommends that vegetarian children see a registered Dietitian. Ask your child’s doctor for a referral.
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