Can a child be a vegetarian, explained by a doctorThe question of vegetarian diet for children concerns many parents. Should meat products be excluded from a child"s diet and what could this mean for a growing body? These important questions were answered

Vegetarian diet for children can be dangerous: doctors insist on a complete diet with animal products

As reported by TUT.AZ, nutritionist Yulia Moskvicheva in an interview with "Gazeta.Ru" warned parents against imposing vegetarianism and veganism on children.

"According to all recommendations of the Union of Pediatricians, veganism and vegetarianism are not for children, they should receive a complete diet that includes animal products. I do not recommend vegetarian parents to impose their eating style on their children, as this can lead to serious health problems," the specialist emphasized.

Interestingly, a child's refusal to eat meat may signal health problems.

"Aversion to meat can be a symptom of anemia. Of course, it also happens that a child has experienced psychological trauma, in which case a consultation with a psychologist is needed. Regarding nutrition: the parent should find that special dish that contains poultry or fish, and that the child will like. The only caveat: meat should not be replaced with sausages, cold cuts, and other ultra-processed foods. They contain insignificant amounts of protein, but lots of fat and food additives. Parents are obligated to feed their children in accordance with pediatricians' recommendations," the doctor concluded.