A vegetable-based diet can be healthy for children in certain cases, but if not properly planned, it may also be harmful.
The key factor is a balanced diet and ensuring all essential nutrients are included.
When a vegetarian diet is well-planned, it can support heart health, provide more fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, and reduce the risk of obesity and diabetes.
However, some nutrients are essential for children’s growth and can be difficult to obtain from vegetables alone.
The key nutrients at risk of deficiency include:
- Protein: important for muscles and growth
- Vitamin B12: essential for brain and nervous system development
- Iron: helps prevent anemia
- Calcium and Vitamin D: vital for bones and teeth
- Omega-3 fatty acids: important for brain development
- Zinc: supports immunity
Deficiencies in these nutrients can affect a child’s height and weight development, cause weakness, fatigue, lack of concentration, and lead to problems with bones and teeth.
