Considerations in Planning Vegan Diets

Animal (De)liberation: Should the Consumption of Animal Products Be Banned?

“…All in all, vegan diets can be adequate for all human beings, including children. Although small children with reduced stomach capacities may need to eat regularly and must ensure that they eat foods that are sufficiently high in energy density to provide sufficient calories, that are relatively easy to digest (for example by including cooked rather than raw foods), and that are not excessive in fibre (Messina and Mangels 2001, 662), many nutritionists adopt the view that vegan diets can be adequate for all human beings (Messina and Mangels 2001;Norris and Messina 2011;Van Winckel et al 2011;ADA 1997).…”

Clinical practice

“…Nevertheless, it remains a practical method for estimating whether or not a diet covers protein needs. As a vegan diet has a PDCAAS of 75-77%, protein requirements for vegans can be estimated to be 1.3 times those for omnivores [26].…”

“…• rice drinks, non-adapted soy drinks and almond drinks are not suitable milk substitutes, even if calcium-supplemented • infant formula or soy formula are indicated -Weaning food? • ensure continued breastfeeding or at least 400 ml of infant formula as source of protein and calcium • pureed legumes or tofu can be used from 6 months • consider an iron supplement in breastfed infants from 6 months onwards • ensure sufficient caloric density of meals by adding oil, rich in linolenic acid (flaxseed, canola, rapeseed or nut oil) • check parents' knowledge on preparation of foods and their access to a variety of foods • ask the parents to hold a 7-day food diary and refer to a dietician for evaluation Table 3 Nutritional advice in vegetarian toddlers/preschool children • ensure sufficient calcium intake (dairy products or calciumsupplemented drinks) • check on sufficient caloric density of meals • limit raw non-processed foods (lower digestibility compared to cooked/fermented products, more difficult to ingest because of not fully developed oral motor mastication skills) • advice grinding nuts (prevent choking) • vegan diet: ask the parents to hold a 7-day food diary and refer to a dietician for evaluation • ensure vitamin B 12 and calcium source [1,2,9,23,26]. Several health agencies have developed information systems on healthy diets such as the vegetarian food pyramid [27].…”

“…Referral to a dietician interested in and acquainted with vegetarian diets can be indicated. In general, a wellbalanced lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet can satisfy all nutritional needs of the growing child, whereas a vegan diet has at least to be supplemented with vitamin B 12 , with special attention to adequate intakes of calcium and zinc and energy-dense foods containing enough high-quality protein for young children [1,2,9,23,26]. The more restricted the diet and the younger the child, the greater the risk for deficiencies [16].…”

Nutritional issues in treating phenylketonuria

“…Furthermore, good sources of the omega-3 fatty acid, linolenic acid, should be emphasized to enhance synthesis of the long-chain fatty acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Accordingly, dietary professionals who counsel vegan families should help parents identify good sources of vitamins B2 and B12, zinc, calcium and, if sun exposure is not adequate, vitamin D Messina and Mangels 2001).…”