138 McEvoy Woodsideabsorption of non-haem iron. Dietary advice
should encourage a variety of non-haem iron
sources (as shown in table 2 ) and vitamin C with
meals to aid iron absorption. Food preparation
methods such as soaking beans prior to cooking
and fermenting soy protein (e.g. miso and tem-
peh) can reduce the phytate content of these foods
and improve iron availability [10].
Zinc
Zinc deficiency can cause failure to thrive and im-
paired taste acuity in children [11, 12]. The main
sources of zinc in vegetarian diets include cereals
and grains, which are also high in phytate and re-
duce zinc bioavailability [10]. Differences in zinc
intake between vegetarian and omnivorous chil-
dren are negligible [11]. However, the ratio of
phytate to zinc intake is much greater in vegetar-
ian children, which can increase the risk of subop-
timal zinc status especially during periods of rapid
growth [11, 12]. Little is known regarding the ef-
fects of marginal zinc deficiency on childhood
growth and development, although adaptation to
a low intake may occur over time with increased
intestinal absorption [11]. Good plant sources of
zinc, as shown in table 2 , should be advised.
Conclusions- Vegetarian diets can provide adequate nutri-
ents for optimum growth and development in
childhood. However, a broad range of vegetar-
ian dietary patterns are often practiced, and
while many parents invariably wish their off-
spring to share their eating pattern, some diets
may be too nutritionally restrictive for infants
and young children to thrive - Variety in individual vegetarian diets is para-
mount to achieve the balance of nutrients to
support each stage of development in child-
hood. If a particular food or food group is not
consumed routinely, alternative nutrient
sources should be encouraged, within the con-
straints imposed by the diet, and supplements
advised when clinically indicated - Vegan infants and children are especially at
risk of energy, protein and other nutrient defi-
ciencies. In these cases, a referral to a dietitian
may be necessary for nutritional assessment
and family counselling - Further research is required to determine the
health benefits and risks of vegetarian diets in
childhood
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