Though moved by his early commitment to the animal cause and quite proud of his unfailing will, you are slightly concerned: Can a growing child safely do without meat? Should you encourage him in his militant approach or on the contrary try to dissuade him?
” We see more and more concerned parents scroll through the service observes Professor Tounian, head of the department of pediatric nutrition at Trousseau Hospital, who makes a clear connection between the eco-anxiety exploding among adolescents and the rise of vegetarianism. ” But the refusal of meat is also widespread among the youngest, around 6-7 years of age, when they begin to make the connection between the veal alive and well in the meadow and the piece of steak on his plate. adds the latter.
While no statistical study today provides reliable figures on vegetarianism among French children, a survey conducted in the United States by the VRG among 1,002 young people aged 8 to 17 observes 5% vegetarians and 2% vegans: which is anything but anecdotal.
Since the importance of a balanced diet for growth and brain development is no longer a secret for anyone, the question of deficiencies and their consequences necessarily arises for the youngest. “ Yes, the risks of shortages exist and require some vigilance confirms the head of department… but not necessarily where we imagine them.
No risk of protein deficiency
The number one fear of parents of young vegetarians is obvious protein deficiency. This nutrient made up of essential amino acids is, in the usual sense, directly associated with growth, as it is essential for the construction of tissues, be they bones, muscles or nerves. Nevertheless : ” There is no risk of protein deficiency for children who refuse meat », certifies the expert. The protein requirement for humans is relatively low and is generally largely exceeded in Western countries.
” Between cereals, legumes and dairy products: vegetarian children easily cover their protein needs reassures Professor Tounian.
Watch out for the iron!
Contrary to what Popeye tries to have us believe, iron is found in meat, not spinach! Although present in many plants, this mineral is never absorbed so well by the body as when it is said to be heme, i.e. linked to the heme — therefore to the blood — therefore to the animals. “ The iron contained in vegetables is 8 times less well absorbed than that present in meat insists Professor Tounian.
” While some vegetarian children have a natural tendency to absorb too much iron from plants to meet their needs, most of them end up deficient. says our expert. The risks ? Cognitive impairments, growth and developmental delays, reduced ability to concentrate which may affect your ability to learn. In the most serious cases, iron deficiency anemia is also responsible, in the more or less short term, for impaired brain development. it can be irreversible in younger people.
“ Recent studies have also established the link between iron deficiency and some mental disorders: depression, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders and anxiety… fortunately reversible with the reintroduction of iron. adds Professor Tounian, who therefore strongly recommends iron supplementation for young vegetarians.
In the absence of fish: vigilance on omega 3
Second risk of deficiency, in children and adolescents who avoid not only meat, but also fish: docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA in its little name. These long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids which belong to the omega 3 family are very important for brain function. ” There is no test to identify a DHA deficiency which essentially manifests itself in a decrease in cognitive performance. Supplementation is therefore also recommended for vegetarian children and adolescents who do not eat fish. “says the specialist.
As for vegan children and adolescents, who refuse all foods of animal origin, the risk of deficiencies is greater: calcium, vitamin D and B12 supplements are therefore needed. ” While it is neither possible nor desirable to force a child or teenager to eat meat against their will, it is still important to remind them why it matters until they are done growing up. insists the department head.
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Source: Madmoizelle
Mary Crossley is an author at “The Fashion Vibes”. She is a seasoned journalist who is dedicated to delivering the latest news to her readers. With a keen sense of what’s important, Mary covers a wide range of topics, from politics to lifestyle and everything in between.
