Can a child be a vegetarian, explained by a doctor

Often, vegetarian and vegan mothers also put their children on such diets, thinking that it is beneficial for children's health. However, according to doctors' recommendations, children must receive a mixed diet.

As reported by BAKU.WS, dietitian Yulia Moskvicheva told "Gazeta.Ru" about this.

"According to all recommendations of the Union of Pediatricians, veganism and vegetarianism are not for children, they should receive a complete diet that includes animal products. I don't recommend vegetarian parents to impose their eating style on their children, as this can lead to serious health problems," the doctor explained.

However, it sometimes happens that a child does not want to eat meat because they don't like it. In this case, anemia may be suspected.

"Aversion to meat can be a symptom of anemia. Of course, it also happens that a child has experienced psychological trauma, in which case a consultation with a psychologist is needed. Regarding nutrition: the parent should find that special dish containing poultry or fish that the child will enjoy. The only caveat: meat should not be replaced with sausages, cold cuts, and other ultra-processed products. They contain insignificant amounts of protein but lots of fat and food additives. Parents are obliged to feed their children in accordance with pediatricians' recommendations," the doctor concluded.