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Vegetarian diets that include some animal products (lacto-vegetarian and lacto-ovovegetarian) are nutritionally sound. Vegan diets require careful planning in order to obtain adequate amounts of required nutrients. The following are recommendations for feeding vegetarian children.
- Breast milk or formula should be the basis of the diet until one year of age. (See diet for age)
- Milk or a fortified soy formula should be used.
- Fat should not be limited for a child less than two years of age.
- For children not drinking milk or a fortified substitute, the following nutrients may be limited: calcium, protein, vitamin D, riboflavin. These children may need a vitamin and mineral supplement.
- Vitamin B-12 must be supplemented if no animal products are consumed.
- Adequate iron intake is difficult to achieve if meat is not consumed. Good sources of iron include prunes and prune juice, fortified cereals and grain products, raisins, and spinach.
NOTE: Any specialized diet, particularly for children but also for adults, should be reviewed by a registered dietician prior to the start of the diet to ensure that it meets all nutritional needs.
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