Families in Belgium impose a vegetarian diet on their children, exposing them to the possibility of losing their custody. The Association for the Rights of the Child in Belgium advocates this action. A recent report pointed to an increasing number of children with serious illnesses due to the reliance on vegetarian food only, which is a matter of concern. In this country, nearly 3% of children are vegetarians, and in many cases, protein and vitamin deficiencies are recorded. For a nutritionist, this procedure is fairly strict. The decision is still up to the parents; they choose what to shop for. Many see it as a personal decision and a moral choice to be a vegetarian.
From a healthy point of view, when we are vegetarians, we can get what we need in plant foods, including nuts, soybeans and legumes, and we are able to cover those protein needs. However, vegetarian food is rich in dietary fiber.
In Belgium, specialists insist that young vegetarians are deficient in biological proteins, vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium, iron, zinc and iodine. One of the consequences of relying on vegetarian food is the failure to thrive. "If there is a stop in the growth curve, doctors should intervene," said specialist Hubert Courmier. Kormier argues that vegetarian diet is a personal choice for parents, but they must have enough information if they want to force their young children to do so.
About 3% of Belgian children are vegetarians,
In many cases, protein deficiency is recorded
And many of them have vitamins.