Pediatricians again warn about the consequences in children of vegetarian diets

The Committee on Nutrition and Breastfeeding of the Spanish Association of Pediatrics (AEP) has developed a series of recommendations in order to " avoid nutritional deficiencies that may occur when adopting a vegetarian diet during childhood and youth " and inform parents on "the nutrients to be supplemented", according to the coordinator of said committee, José Manuel Moreno Villares.

Once again, experts remember that the first commandment before initiating a child on a restrictive diet should be to go to the pediatrician so that he determines whether it is relevant or not. "Like any other type of unbalanced diet, vegetarianism can have negative consequences on the health and growth of children. For this reason, it is essential that a specialist assess whether the diet meets the nutritional standards necessary for good development and, if necessary, prescribe the appropriate supplements to cover the deficiencies, "warns Dr. Moreno.

Rich in fiber, magnesium, ferric iron, folic acid, vitamins C and E, polyunsaturated fatty acids n-6, carotenoids, flavonoids and other phytochemicals and antioxidants, these types of diets are lower in total fat, polyunsaturated fatty acids n-3 , cholesterol, iodine, zinc, ferrous iron and vitamins B12 and D.

Although, as stated in these tips published in Annals of Pediatrics, vegetarian children often have more fruits and vegetables, less sweets, salty snacks and saturated fats, there is also a high risk of overeating some foods with low density nutrition l.

Doctors stress that protein needs may be sufficient if the diet includes a wide variety of plant-based foods and energy requirements are met. As, in general, the protein quality of plant foods is lower than that of animal products (especially milk and eggs), it is advisable to ensure that legumes, nuts and seeds are included in the daily intake .

The use of soybeans and their derivatives (tofu, tempeh and meat analogues), as well as pseudocereals , such as quinoa and amaranth, can contribute to ensuring an adequate balance of amino acids.

While it is true that some plant products have a high iron content , their assimilation is more complicated and this is presented in its non-heme form . "Therefore, to promote its absorption, it is recommended to consume foods rich in vitamin C," advises Dr. Moreno Villares.

Iodized salt, vegetables of marine origin and some cereal-based foods are the best source of iodine for vegan people. Dairy products and egg yolk are also sources of iodine.

Although algae (wakame, kombu, alaria and nori, among others), with great prominence in these diets, can also be an important source of iodine, experts warn that they are also arsenic, "so should be used with caution in infants and young children. "

VITAMIN B12 SUPPLEMENT

It is not found in plant-based foods and fermented foods or marine seeds cannot be considered as a reliable source of vitamin B12 . "It is essential that vegetarians or vegans take an oral vitamin B12 supplement . Even in ovolactovegetarians or in people who regularly consume fortified foods, a weekly booster dose is the best way to guarantee optimal levels of this vitamin," says the doctor.

Thus, despite the fact that following a vegetarian diet at any stage of childhood does not necessarily mean that it is unsafe, the doctor emphasizes that "it is preferable to advise that during the infant period and in the young child an omnivorous diet is followed or at least ovo or lactovegetarian . "

The age of introduction of other foods should be the same as for non-vegetarians. It is advisable to incorporate legumes from six months , as they are the natural substitute for meat in vegetarian diets.

After six months, you can also offer sugar-free soy yogurt occasionally, for breakfast or snack, with or without fruit. It is important to choose varieties enriched with calcium. In addition, regular consumption of vegetables rich in vitamin A (sweet potato, broccoli, carrot, squash) is also recommended.

Gluten, meanwhile, "should be introduced at the same age as in infants without special diet," according to the doctor. As specified, it is important to promote the use of whole grains , such as bread, rice, pasta, couscous, millet, corn polenta and quinoa. Occasionally, calcium-enriched vegetable drinks can also be used to prepare a dish , "but they should never be used as the main beverage," he warns.

Until the year, spinach, chard, borage, beet, arugula and other green leaves should be avoided because of their high nitrate content; honey and syrups, due to the danger of contamination with botulism spores; seaweed, because of its high iodine content; and foods with a laxative effect, such as flax seeds and chia seeds.

After two years , as reported by the expert, the feeding of children should be the same as that of the rest of the family, prioritizing the supply of fresh food over processed products or fruit juices with added sugars.

According to the criteria of The Trust Project

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