Is vegan feeding advisable in first childhood?

Abstract

Objective: To analyse if it is possible to correctly feed children with a vegan diet from birth. Method: A two stages bibliographic search was conducted. The first one was in Google Academic Search, using the information obtained for the introduction. The second one in the Health Science Database PubMed, Cinhal and Scopus where 26 publications were chosen. Results: The principal nutrient deficiencies that can be developed in vegan children were identified. Aferwards the growth curve of both vegan and omnivore children has been compared. In addition, we have clarified the nurses’ knowledge about people’s vegan nutritional requirements from birth. Finally, the benefits of following a vegan diet have been established. Discussion and conclusions: well-planned vegan diets allow an adequate development of children from birth. The only compulsory nutrient supplementation is vitamin B12. The healthcare professionals have an important role since they have to give the guidelines to introduce the complementary feeding. Also, they have to inform the parents how to avoid the nutritional deficiencies that can give rise to serious health consequences. Keywords: Infant, Child, Vegan diet, Vegetarianism, Nursing.