Is a vegan diet possible for children?
In times where conscious lifestyles are gaining more and more ground, veganism is positioning itself as a philosophy that transcends food.
For those who practice it, it is not just about avoiding animal products, but about living under a principle of respect and non-cruelty towards living beings and the environment.
But when this lifestyle is applied to parenting, inevitable questions arise: Is it possible for a child to be vegan from a young age? How healthy can this decision be?
Yesterday, November 1st, was World Vegan Day , so today we want to answer some of those questions with the help of pediatric nutritionist Bianni de los Santos, who offers us clear explanations :
"During the first six months of life, breast milk should be the exclusive food , and this period can be extended until two years or more, accompanied by other varied foods. At this stage, balance is key, avoiding salt and sugar."
Furthermore, the specialist clarifies that no child can truly be vegan before the age of two , since breast milk is of animal origin and cannot be replaced by any plant-based beverage. "In addition, a child's body has specific nutritional requirements that must be met to achieve proper growth and development," she explains.
Nutritional requirements
A vegan diet in childhood, De los Santos warns, should be followed in an informed manner and with medical guidance .
Nutrients such as animal proteins, Omega 3 fatty acids (from fish) , and essential vitamins such as B12, iron, and zinc are fundamental for physical and cognitive development, and are not always obtained in sufficient quantities from plant sources.
"After the age of two , children could be vegan, provided that all these nutritional requirements are met," the specialist comments.
If parents opt for a more flexible approach, the doctor recommends an ovo-lacto-pesco-vegetarian diet , that is, a safer and more balanced option, which includes:
- Milk
- Eggs
- Fish
- Fruit
- Vegetables
- Cereals
"In general, it is healthier for a child to be ovo-lacto-pesco-vegetarian ," De los Santos points out, reminding us that any drastic change in a child's diet should be accompanied by the monitoring of a pediatrician or a nutritionist.
TOPICS -
Diariolibre
