Ms. Mary Silva
Specializing in feeding and nutrition.
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 Ask Mary Silva
Raw Vegetarian Diet | | | QUESTION | | | Dear Ms. Silva,
Is it OK to start the child on a largely raw vegetarian diet after we get away from formula? The diet planned does include lots of dark green leaves, etc.— Ilya in New York, NY | | | ANSWER |
March 8, 2001 | | | Dear Ilya,
Vegetarian diets are OK for children as long as they are well thought out. In general, children need foods that pack a lot of nutrients into fairly small amounts. The challenge of a raw diet, like the one you describe, is to get enough calories for a growing child. Because of their small stomachs and developing feeding skills, young children have difficulty eating enough raw foods to get the number of calories, protein, and other nutrients their growing bodies require.
Such diets often exclude foods made from grains. In the diets of young children, grains provide important nutrients and are good sources of calories. The known risks of this type of diet include slow growth, rickets, iron deficiency anemia, and low blood levels of Vitamin B12. Using an infant soy formula can reduce these risks.
You'll want to discuss your plans with your pediatrician who may refer you to a registered dietitian to assist you as you plan your child's diet.— by Mary Silva, M.S., R.D. |
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