November 2023 Parenta magazine

Louise Mercieca
Can vegan
diets support
early years
development?
Part two
There has been a rise in the number of families switching to a vegan diet. There are certainly plenty of reasons why this seems a good
idea for both the environment and our health, but what impact does a restrictive diet have on very young children? When making any
decision about a diet or lifestyle choice, it must be entered into with all the facts and considerations. Choosing a vegan diet isn’t a decision
to take lightly, especially if making that decision on behalf of a child. The second and final part of this article looks at what deficiencies
could be caused by adopting a vegan diet in the early years, what supplements are needed, and many other considerations to be taken
into account.
Nutrient
Deficiency impact
Vitamin B3
Vitamin B12
Vitamin D
Calcium
Iodine
Selenium
Iron
Zinc
Lysine
Tryptophan
Methionine
Omega 3 fatty acids
Extreme deficiencies can lead to the serious condition, Pellagra, which is classified as the 3 Ds; Dementia, Diarrhoea, and
Dermatitis – this is extremely rare but does occur in the UK.
Low levels can lead to anaemia (lack of red blood cells) which makes people tired and weak.
More seriously, B12 deficiencies in the early years can reduce the function of the central nervous system and even a mild
deficiency can cause neurological deterioration.
A lack of vitamin D can lead to bone deformities such as rickets in children (this does still exist).
Weakened immune system.
Low mood which can lead to depression.
As with vitamin D, a lack of calcium can lead to rickets in children. Calcium not only supports bones but muscles such as the
heart and a deficiency can lead to heart failure in extreme circumstances.
Iodine deficiency is the main cause of brain damage in early childhood resulting in impaired cognitive and motor development.
Additionally, iodine deficiency can cause the development of a condition called Goitre (enlarged thyroid gland).
Low levels or deficiency can cause confusion (brain fog) and general fatigue, more serious and prolonged deficiencies can
lead to infertility and compromised immunity in response to certain viruses.
Iron deficiencies can lead to iron deficiency anaemia.
Reduced growth & development, impaired immunity, low memory, impaired motor skills.
When coupled with low serotonin (linked to vitamin D deficiency) this deficiency can increase violence, depression, and anxiety.
Deficiencies affect growth and development (slow growth) and can cause general fatigue, dizziness, anaemia, and impact on
mood.
Low levels of this can lead to anxiety, tension, feeling on edge and disrupted sleep. Prolonged deficiencies can lead to
aggressive tendencies.
Involved in the antioxidant defence system so deficiencies can cause an increase in oxidative stress.
Deficiencies can have a negative impact on mood, IQ and behaviour, more serious deficiencies can have adverse effects on
brain development and neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Omega 3 supplements are used to treat symptoms of ADHD and in young offenders’ institutions, such is the significant impact
it has on mood, behaviour and emotions.
Supplementing a diet may be easier said
than done! Some children can’t chew
a chewy supplement (if they are very
young), there may be issues over the
coating of the supplements and goodquality
ones can be very expensive. It
is necessary to supplement though as
nutritional deficiencies can have life-long
consequences, so supplement research is
essential.
Other considerations
If you are considering an alternative diet
or must restrict certain elements due
to allergies, then this may be possible
without going entirely vegan, this would
certainly ease some of the restrictions.
There’s no reason why we all can’t enjoy
plant-based meals several times a week,
indeed this would be preferable for our
health and our environment.
There has been a rise in vegan produce,
making it a lot easier to shop for ‘meatfree’
alternatives but please shop with
caution as just because a product
is vegetarian, or vegan, it does not
necessarily mean it is ‘healthy’.
Ultra-processed foods
(UPFs)
The vegan and vegetarian market is no
different to the rest of the food landscape.
There is now a wide variety of products
aimed at convenience. Vegans can opt
for processed burgers, sausages, pies
etc. that may be marginally healthier than
their meat alternatives but are still ‘overprocessed’
and likely to contain artificial
ingredients and ‘fillers’ that make a
product convenient but not healthy. To get
the most out of a vegan diet it is necessary
to plan, prepare and cook properly and
not rely on ready-made options.
Vegan children
Is it possible? Technically yes, with careful
planning, consideration of all nutrients
needed and supplementation. But is it
easy? No.
You will spend a large percentage of your
time scanning labels and menus until you
are confident with your own shopping
choices. For fully developed adults, it
can be a healthy lifestyle choice. For
developing children, it can be incredibly
detrimental if not implemented effectively.
If you are embarking on a vegan lifestyle
for your family, please embrace the full
variety of natural plant-based options
available, seek professional guidance and
remember that many essential nutrients
will need to be supplemented.
Scan here for
more information
& resources
from Louise:
parenta.com | November 2023 19