Vegan diet can be very healthy for children, says British Nutrition Foundation
- Carolina Macedo Galvani
- Mar 12, 2020
- 2 min read
The British Nutrition Foundation (BNF) released a new guide saying that toddlers can be vegan if they have a balanced diet with three protein portions a day, which can be pulses such as beans, lentils, chickpeas, and soy or products that kids usually love, like peanut butter. The guide has been developed by nutrition scientists and an advisory group of experts in early years’ nutrition.
They explain that children following vegan diets should eat nutrient-dense foods, such as avocados, tofu, bananas, nuts, seed butters, vegetable oils and vegan fat spreads. The combination of pulses and cereals is what provides essential amino acids for vegan diets, and it's the same when it comes to vegan children.
According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, there is no reason why a vegan diet shouldn’t provide an infant with an appropriate amount of nutrients. Overall, the institution says that a vegan diet can be extremely healthy for kids.
“It is the position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics that appropriately planned vegetarian, including vegan, diets are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and may provide health benefits for the prevention and treatment of certain diseases,” the organization states. “These diets are appropriate for all stages of the life cycle, including pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, adolescence, older adulthood, and for athletes." Other recommendations
Medical monitoring is also advised, as well as supplementation of eventual vitamins and minerals — for both vegan and non-vegan kids. One that deserves special attention is B12. Sara Stanner, science director at the BNF, says families making the decision to adopt vegetarian or vegan diets “need to be aware of how to balance their diet, and use supplements if needed in order to ensure children get all the nutrients they need to be healthy”.
Other recommendations are the same for vegan or non-vegan kids: eating at least five portions of veggies a day, avoiding sugar and processed products and choosing whole cereals such as brown rice, whole-wheat pasta and bread. Eating a variety of foods is also essential.
Breastfeeding is vegan!
The NHS recommends that all babies be fed breast milk exclusively up until the age of six months old. And breastfeeding your baby couldn't be more vegan! Vegans oppose exploiting animals for the production of milk, not a mother feeding her own child with her own milk.
It's when we're children that our eating habits start to be built and we're introduced to many different types of food, so it's very important to learn how to make healthy choices from an early age. In this context, a vegan diet is not only healthy but fundamental. First, because some studies show that children who consume dairy during childhood are at risk of increased cases of bone fracture and diabetes during adulthood. Meat is related to many diseases, including cancer
.
Moreover, the future of life on this planet is at stake! If we don't stop producing (and eating!) animal products, it will be almost impossible to reduce global warming. It's not only us saying this, it's the UN.
Please consider adopting a vegan diet or reducing the consumption of animal products for you and your whole family!
It’s encouraging to see the British Nutrition Foundation support the idea that a well-planned vegan diet can be healthy for children. With the right balance of nutrients, kids can thrive while also learning about sustainability and compassion early on. This aligns with global shifts toward mindful living—just like the growing appreciation for knitted garments in Pakistan, which blend tradition with ethical, handmade production. Both reflect conscious choices for a healthier future.
Looking for reliable legal expertise in Dubai? Whether it's securing property with trusted real estate attorneys or navigating fintech regulations with expert fintech legal advice, the best law firm in Dubai has you covered. Find the best Dubai lawyers who understand your unique needs—be it property legal advice in Dubai or cutting-edge fintech solutions. With deep local knowledge and global perspective, they deliver results you can count on. From real estate to fintech, expert legal service in Dubai is the foundation of your success. Choose experience, choose confidence,
The British Nutrition Foundation’s statement that a vegan diet can be healthy for children shows how proper care and planning lead to long-term benefits. Similarly, maintaining your home with regular gutter cleaning Sydney services ensures protection against water damage and costly repairs. Blocked gutters can cause roof leaks, foundation problems, and pest infestations. Professional cleaning helps avoid these issues while saving you time and stress. Just like a balanced diet supports a child’s growth, clean gutters support your home’s longevity. Preventative care always pays off in the end.
It's great to see the British Nutrition Foundation supporting a vegan diet for children, highlighting its potential health benefits when well-planned. A balanced vegan diet can support growth and development while promoting long-term wellness. Just like choosing the right nutrition is vital, so is maintaining our everyday gadgets. If your phone's damaged, consider an iPhone back glass replacement to keep it looking and working like new. Health and care go hand in hand—whether for kids or devices!
It’s great to see the British Nutrition Foundation support the idea that a vegan diet can be healthy for children when planned properly. With the right balance of nutrients, kids can thrive on plant-based meals. At home, we've made small changes like using natural ingredients, including Himalayan pink salt. We found a trusted Pink Salt distributor in UAE to ensure we’re getting high-quality, mineral-rich salt. It’s a great alternative to processed options and fits perfectly into a clean-eating lifestyle. Every little choice adds up to better health for the whole family.