Vegan pregnancy and children
From Veganpedia, the free vegan encyclopedia
Contents (6)
Major dietetic bodies state that appropriately planned vegan diets can be suitable during pregnancy, breastfeeding, infancy and childhood, with careful attention to nutrients such as B12, iodine, vitamin D, iron and DHA.
Quick facts
- Key position
- Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (2016)
- Key nutrients
- B12, iodine, vitamin D, iron, calcium, DHA, folate
- Main advice
- Plan carefully, seek professional guidance
- Infant main drink
- Breast milk or suitable infant formula
Vegan pregnancy and children refers to following a vegan diet during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and raising infants and children on a vegan diet. Because nutrient needs are higher at these life stages and the consequences of deficiency can be serious, this is one of the most carefully discussed areas of vegan nutrition. Professional organisations broadly agree that a vegan diet can meet these needs, provided it is well planned and includes appropriate fortified foods or supplements.
Position statements
In 2016 the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the largest organisation of nutrition professionals in the United States, published a position paper stating that appropriately planned vegetarian, including vegan, diets are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and may provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases. The paper stated that such diets are appropriate for all stages of the life cycle, including pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, adolescence and older adulthood, and for athletes.
The British Dietetic Association has also stated that a well-planned vegan diet can support healthy living in people of all ages. Other bodies have been more cautious. The German Nutrition Society (DGE), for example, has historically advised caution regarding vegan diets during pregnancy, breastfeeding and childhood, citing the risk of deficiencies where diets are not carefully planned. Across these positions, a common theme is that planning and reliable sources of critical nutrients are essential.
Key nutrients in pregnancy and breastfeeding
| Nutrient | Why it matters | Common vegan approach |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin B12 | Fetal nervous system development; deficiency in breastfed infants can be severe | Supplement or fortified foods daily |
| Iodine | Fetal brain development | Iodised salt, fortified foods or supplement; avoid kelp |
| Vitamin D | Bone development | Supplement; the NHS advises 10 µg daily in pregnancy |
| Folate | Reduces risk of neural tube defects | The NHS advises 400 µg folic acid daily before conception until week 12 |
| Iron | Increased blood volume; US RDA rises to 27 mg | Iron-rich foods with vitamin C; supplement if advised |
| DHA | Brain and eye development | Algae-oil supplement often suggested |
| Calcium | Fetal bone development | Calcium-set tofu, fortified plant milks |
| Choline | Fetal brain development | Soya foods, legumes, quinoa, cruciferous vegetables |
| Protein | Growth of fetal and maternal tissue | Legumes and soya foods daily |
Each of these nutrients is covered in more detail in its own article: vitamin B12, iodine, vitamin D, iron, Omega-3 fatty acids, calcium and protein.
Vitamin B12 deserves particular emphasis. Case reports have documented serious harm in breastfed infants of mothers with untreated B12 deficiency, including developmental delay. Breastfeeding mothers should ensure a reliable daily B12 intake.
Infants
- Breast milk is recommended by the WHO and NHS as the ideal food for infants. Breastfeeding is compatible with a vegan diet when the mother’s diet is adequate.
- Where infants are not breastfed, a suitable infant formula must be used. Soya-based infant formulas exist; in the UK, the NHS advises that soya formula should only be given to babies under six months on medical advice. Availability of fully vegan formulas varies by country.
- Plant-based milks such as soya, oat or almond drinks are not suitable as a main drink for babies under one year. The NHS also advises that rice drinks should not be given to children under five because of their arsenic content (see plant-based milks).
- Vitamin D supplementation is recommended by the NHS for breastfed babies from birth.
Children
Children have high nutrient needs relative to their size and small stomachs. Points commonly emphasised by dietitians include:
- Energy density – very high-fibre diets can fill children up before they have eaten enough energy. Including nut butters, seed butters, avocado, oils, tofu and refined grains alongside whole grains can help.
- Reliable B12, vitamin D and iodine sources, usually through supplements formulated for children.
- Iron and zinc, through legumes, fortified cereals and seeds.
- Calcium, through fortified, unsweetened plant milks once age-appropriate.
- Regular growth monitoring with a health visitor, paediatrician or GP.
Whole nuts are a choking hazard for young children and should be offered ground or as smooth nut butters.
Professional guidance
All major bodies recommend that families following a vegan diet during pregnancy or raising young children seek advice from a qualified health professional. A registered dietitian can assess the diet, recommend appropriate supplements and help plan meals (see meal planning).
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Pregnant people and parents should consult a doctor, midwife or registered dietitian for personal advice.
See also
What links here: How to Go Vegan · Iodine · Meal planning · Omega-3 fatty acids · Plant-Based Milks · Protein · Vegan diet and health · Vegan Parenting and Family Life · Veganism · Vitamin B12 · Vitamin D