2023-11-22 17:16:05
Recent Study Renews Controversy Over Vegetarian Diet for Children
A recent study published in the journal Nutrients has sparked renewed controversy among scientists regarding the suitability of a vegetarian diet for children. Until recently, there was a consensus among scientists that a vegetarian diet, including both regular “vegetarian” and “vegan” diets, was not suitable for children and adolescents due to the lack of essential nutrients such as vitamin B12, zinc, and calcium.
However, the latest study suggests that a vegetarian diet may be suitable for young children with the addition of necessary supplements and vitamins. Scientists who support vegetarianism believe that there is no difference between the health of children who are vegetarians and those who follow a normal diet. However, the controversy surrounding the diet remains unresolved.
One study conducted in the Czech Republic on children and adolescents under the age of 18 found that children who followed a complete vegetarian diet had a decrease in iodine levels. Additionally, a Finnish study revealed that children who followed a vegan diet obtained lower amounts of vitamin B12 and fats, as well as lower levels of calcium. However, they received larger amounts of folic acid, fiber, zinc, and iron.
On the other hand, an experiment in the state of Ohio on children suffering from obesity and high cholesterol found that a complete fat-free vegetarian diet successfully reduced various health indicators including body mass index, blood pressure, cholesterol, low-density lipids, insulin, and waist circumference.
Ultimately, the question of whether a vegetarian diet is suitable for children remains unanswered. While there are potential benefits to the diet, such as reduced blood pressure and cholesterol, the long-term effects on children’s health are still unknown. Until there is more conclusive evidence, the decision of whether to follow a vegetarian diet in children remains a topic of debate among scientists.]
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