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Can Vegan Diet Lead To Vitamin Deficiency In Kids?
can a strict vegan diet in small children under age five result in vitamin deficiencies? I am concerned about serious emotion outbursts, being non responsive with questions or conversation an exhibiting classic signs od add.... These symptoms have seriously progressed with total vegan diet. I am very concerned about magnesium defficiency which I understand is now recognized as a problem in children with add. God bless you for any insight or reference material you can offer. Kathryn
Mon, 13 Jun 2016
Good morning and welcome to HCM,
Yes, Vegans are notoriously are at high risk for deficiencies in the following nutrients:
saturated fat and cholesterol, long-chain n–3 (omega-3) fatty acids, vitamin D, calcium, zinc, and vitamin B-12. Sulfur in the diet also tends to be low.
A doctor can test for several of these areas.
Have you considered a vegan multivitamin? There are also supplements of omega-3 fatty acids that are made from algae. B12 is critical for neurological development. I would have the child tested and possible need for injections.
I suspect that the child is deficient in D if not drinking fortified milk, but there are A and D drops available. What about calcium and vitamin D almond milk?
The child needs to be assessed by a pediatrician and a pediatric dietitian, have the proper labs ordered and supplementation started as needed.
Good luck! Regards, Kathryn Shattler, MS,RDN
Yes, Vegans are notoriously are at high risk for deficiencies in the following nutrients:
saturated fat and cholesterol, long-chain n–3 (omega-3) fatty acids, vitamin D, calcium, zinc, and vitamin B-12. Sulfur in the diet also tends to be low.
A doctor can test for several of these areas.
Have you considered a vegan multivitamin? There are also supplements of omega-3 fatty acids that are made from algae. B12 is critical for neurological development. I would have the child tested and possible need for injections.
I suspect that the child is deficient in D if not drinking fortified milk, but there are A and D drops available. What about calcium and vitamin D almond milk?
The child needs to be assessed by a pediatrician and a pediatric dietitian, have the proper labs ordered and supplementation started as needed.
Good luck! Regards, Kathryn Shattler, MS,RDN
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Yes, vitamin B12 is only in animal products. Magnesium is predominantly in plants so, not the main issue. Protein and iron is easiest to get in a diet with some meat but with a varied enough vegan diet, they would still be in the diet.
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