Babies and Toddlers
According to a study done by Baroni et
al., babies born to vegan mothers with
a balanced diet weights are not
significantly different from the average
(2018).
According to Mott Children’s Hospital,
young vegan children tend to have a
smaller statue than average but will
catch up as they get older (2019).
Breast milk is sufficient, but mom
needs to eat a balanced diet during the
first six months.
Full fat soy-based formula if not breast
fed.
Homemade formula is not encouraged.
Iron supplement after 4-6 months of
age if breast fed.
Vitamin D supplements (400IU) is
recommended to prevent ricket.
No restriction of fat before the age of 2
to ensure proper growth and
development.
Fiber should be restricted up to 2 years
of age.
Teens
Ensure adequate calcium and vitamin D
intake.
Ensure adequate iron intake in girls
during menstruation.
Teach teen about nutritions and meal
planning.
Last word
Before placing your child on any diet
please consult with your child's
pediatrician or a pediatric dietitian.  
Nutrient deficiencies will occur with any Vegan Diet:
imbalanced diet.
A quick guide
Overdose of supplements is possible.
References
Baroni L, Goggi S, Battaglino R, Berveglieri M, Fasan I, Filippin D,
FACTS THAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Griffith P, Rizzo G, Tomasini C, Tosatti MA, Battino MA. (2018).
Vegan nutrition for mothers and children: Practical tools for
BEFORE YOU START YOUR CHILD
healthcare providers. Nutrients, 11(1),
5. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11010005
Cleveland Clinic. (2018). Is a vegan diet  safe
ON VEGAN DIET
for  growing  children.  https://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-a-vegan-
diet-safe-for-growing-children/
Healthwise Staff. (2019)  Vegan diet. C.S. Mott Children's Hospital:
Michigan Medicine. https://www.mottchildren.org/health-
library/abq2485
By:
Ngai Cheng
Anne Arundel Community College
 What is a vegan diet?
children?
A vegan diet is consisting of
only plant-based products
 No meat  Calcium- leafy greens, nuts, seeds,
 No fish
 No egg
 No dairy
 No honey
Why goes vegan?
People choose veganism based on
many reasons (health, religion,
environment, taste preferences, and
animals).
Health reasons:
 Lower in calorie
 Lower in cholesterol
 Lower risk of heart disease
 Lower risk of certain cancers
 Lower risk of type 2 diabetes
 Lower risk of high blood
pressure
1% of children (age 8-18) are vegan =
3.4% of total American population
Is it healthy for growing
If done correctly... YES!!
A balanced diet is necessary for
good health
Eat all kinds of food (eat the colors
of the rainbow) to get all the
needed nutrients.
Not all fats are created equal.
A vegan diet does not mean that
you cannot become overweight!!
Nutrients
tofu, and calcium fortified foods
(foods that has calcium added) 3
to 5 serving is recommended.
Vitamin D- supplement (400IU),
exposure to sun, vitamin D
fortified food
Iron- legumes, leafy greens, iron
fortified grains. Vitamin C helps
with absorption.
Vitamin B12- vegan diet do not
have reliable source. Supplement
at 6 months or fortified food
Omega-3 fatty acids- seeds,
walnuts, soybean oil, and sea
vegetables (1–2 servings daily).
Zinc- whole grain, soy, and
legumes. Vitamin C helps with
absorption.
Protein- majority of vegan diet do
not provide complete protein,
except in soy, buckwheat, spinach,
hemp seeds, and quinoa.