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A child on a vegetarian diet something to remember
Table of Contents
1. Vegetarianism definition, species
Vegetarianism, also known as plant-based diets, involves the restriction or elimination of products of animal origin. The reasons for choosing this dietary style vary from health care, ecological and cultural aspects, to concern for the welfare of farm animals. Depending on the type of vegetarian diet, it is more or less restrictive.2. Variations of vegetarianism
excludes the consumption of all animal products, including eggs and dairy. Some vegans also opt out of honey. This dietary model is often accompanied by a pro-ecological lifestyle and the non-purchase of animal-tested leather clothing, fur or cosmetics.3. Lacto-vegetarianism
The most widespread form of vegetarianism, in addition to plant foods, allows the consumption of eggs and protein.4. Lacto-vegetarianism
Milk may appear on the menu; eggs and other products of animal origin are excluded.5. It is also important to be aware of this
In addition to meat, milk and milk products are excluded from the diet and eggs may be consumed.6. It's called "Vitarianism"
It rejects cooked foods, and the basis of the diet is only raw plant-based foods.7. Flutarianism
A very restrictive form of vegetarianism consisting of eating only products that have fallen naturally. Frutarians do not recognize the destruction or breaking of the plant for consumption and do not use heat treatment above 40°C. Sometimes indirect eating styles are also distinguished: flexvegetarianism (otherwise semi-vegetarians; it allows the consumption of small quantities of meat, but the main source of protein is plant products such as seeds of shellfish plants) and sandvegetarism (for eating fish).8. Position of scientific organisations
According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, a well-balanced vegetarian diet contains sufficient nutrients and is suitable for all stages of development also in children from infancy to adolescence and pregnant and lactating women. In Polish conditions, the exception is the dietary risk of fructose diets, which are difficult to properly establish to ensure the body needs ES. Experts from the European Society for Pediatric and Nutritional Research (ESHAN) may also recommend using dietary supplements for children without dietary supervision and nutritional supplementation.9. Deposition and balancing
Comparisons between vegetarian diets and conventional diets indicate a lower proportion of saturated fats and cholesterol in the plant model. In addition, more vegetables and fruits, whole grain products, nuts and seeds, pulp seeds and dietary fiber are consumed. The vegetarian diet should be balanced and varied. The diet should not consist of simply excluding animal fat and cholesterol, but of appropriately replacing them with products from plant sources.10. Energy
Vegetarian diets usually meet the caloric needs of children and young people, but the average energy value is often lower than in the conventional menu.11. It's a protein
In the case of more restrictive varieties of vegetarianism, good sources of this ingredient will be pulp plant seeds (soya, pulp, lentils, peas, beans), whole grain cereal food and soy products such as yogurt and soy milk, tofu or tempeh. However, it should be noted that plant protein may not meet the needs for exogenous amines (i.e. those that the body cannot synthesize itself).12. It's the fat
The vegetarian diet is rich in vegetable fats, which are a source of polyunsaturated fatty acids. It is recommended that the diet of children up to 3 years of age. There was cholesterol in the diet that supports the proper development of the nervous system. Its source in the lacto-vegetarian diet are eggs and milk and its derivatives. Also noteworthy are the products that provide omega-3s.13. Vitamins and their derivatives
Children on a vegetarian diet should supplement with vitamin D, since its dietary source is mainly animal products. The risk of deficiency also applies to vitamin B12, which is due to the fact that its presence in the diet is primarily guaranteed by meat and meat products. In a lactose-vegetarian diet, its supply will provide eggs and dairy products, but in this case supplementation is required. There are also articles on the market that are rich in vitamin B12: vegetable milk, flakes and cassava.14. Mineral compounds
Mineral ingredients whose supply in the plant model may not be at the appropriate level are calcium and iron. Lacto-vegetarian and lactovegetarian diets satisfy the demand for calcium, but if calcium is excluded from the diet, other sources of calcium or supplementation should be provided. Vegetable drinks that supply calcium are, among others, maple, soybean, sunflower seeds, almonds, yams or beans. However, when purchasing a vegetable juice or yogurt, it is worth noting whether it is fortified with calcium.15. Summary
A well-planned vegetarian diet, especially for children who eat dairy products and eggs, can be the right way to eat from an early age. However, it is important to remember to properly supplement certain ingredients and to monitor the condition of the body with the help of medical advice and appropriate laboratory tests. At least once a year, tests such as blood morphology should be carried out and the levels of ferritin, iron, vitamin D, homocyanin, albumin and total protein, as well as other parameters prescribed by the doctor.
