Many people have taken up the diet due to their beliefs on it being better for the environment and their body.
Veganism has become increasingly popular over the past few years. Many people have taken up the diet due to their beliefs on it being better for the environment and their body.
Many also they believe it is kinder to animals.
And when a parent is a vegan it’s only natural that they would want their child to follow the same diet as them.
However, doctors in Belgium are advising parents not to put their child on a strict vegan diet, saying it could lead to possible complications.
Following on from an in-depth analysis of veganism, Dr Georges Casimir, a paediatrician in Belgium, is advising parents against putting their child on this particular diet.
According to the study, children, teenagers, mums-to-be and those breastfeeding should not follow a restrictive vegan diet. This is because they believe it creates “unavoidable nutritional deficiencies”.
Dr Casmir says there are a number of nutritional requirements missing from the diet, including vitamin D and B12 and calcium, which are important for proper development.
However, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, carefully planned vegan diets are healthy and can be appropriate for all lifestages.
"Appropriately planned vegetarian, including vegan, diets are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and may provide health benefits for the prevention and treatment of certain diseases,"
While both medical professionals contradict one another, what parents should get from this is the importance of following a carefully planned diet so that kids get the recommended amount of vitamins and minerals.
Written by Mary Byrne, Content Executive at Family Friendly HQ. Follow her on Twitter: @marybyrne321