Important Points For Vegetarian Kids

Soy Milk For Kids Ages 1 To 2 Years

Fortified full-fat soy milk may be introduced to infants from 1 year onward. As full-fat soy milk is comparable to cow’s milk that has 2% fat, the infant’s diet should have other sources of concentrated calories to meet needs.

Zinc Supplementation In Vegan Infants

A vegan diet is high in phytates, which may decrease zinc’s bio-availability (level of usability by the human body). Zinc is more bioavailable in fermented soy products such as miso and tempeh.

Increase Protein Intake In Preschoolers

As protein from plant sources is 85% digestible and the amino acid intake less varied, vegan kids must consume 2 to 14 grams more protein daily than their non-vegan counterparts.

Increase Calcium Intake

Calcium-fortified rice and soy milk and fortified orange juice can provide the same levels of calcium as cow’s milk (about 300 mg per 8-oz cup). Fortified foods and supplements are needed.

Additional Vitamin D Sources

Fortified soy milk and cereals can supplement vitamin D for kids, especially for those unlikely to get at least 30 minutes of sun exposure thrice weekly.