Vegetarianism

When it is time to begin supplemental foods, some special planning is needed for the selection of appropriate vegetarian foods.

1. Your child's total calorie need should be met from ample carbohydrates and fats so that protein can be used for your baby's growth.
2. A variety of foods from the vegetarian food groups should be offered.
3. It may be necessary to supplement with vitamin B12, iron, folic acid and calcium.

Good Vegetarian Sources for Hard-to-Get Nutrients
Protein	Iron	B-12
Plant proteins do not contain as much protein ounce for ounce as meats so more plant foods are needed to give the same amount and quality of protein as a smaller portion of meat.  A variety of plant sources must be used together to be sure there is enough protein for the growing baby. Examples of a high protein combination of foods include macaroni and cheese, cereal and milk, and rice pudding.	All babies need iron. Iron-fortified infant cereal is a good way to supplement the diet with iron. Providing adequate iron is especially important in vegetarian meals that do not contain iron-rich meats. The body's use of iron improves when Vitamin C is added. Preparing baby's cereal with a vitamin C fortified fruit juice is one way to improve the availability of the iron to the body. Iron-fortified infant cereal fed for at least baby's first 24 months will help maintain baby's iron stores. For the best use of iron by the body, serve a vitamin C food at each meal.	Vitamin B12 is needed to make red blood cells and important for the health of the nervous system. This vitamin is found in animal foods.  An infant's daily intake of one egg and one cup of fortified soy milk supplies the minimal amount of vitamin B12. The child's needs increase as the child grows.
GOOD PROTEIN SOURCES lentils, tofu, low-fat dairy products, nuts, seeds, tempeh, peas	GOOD IRON SOURCES Dried beans, spinach, chard, beet greens, blackstrap molasses, bulgur, prune juice, dried fruits	GOOD DAIRY SOURCES Dairy products, eggs, fortified foods such as Grape Nuts and soy milk.
Folic Acid	Calcium & Vitamin D
Folic acid works with vitamin B-12. A deficiency of this vitamin in the diet may result in anemia.	A good supply of calcium and Vitamin D is important for development of bones and teeth in children. Vitamin D is not found in most vegetable foods. Vitamin D is also formed when the skin is exposed to sunlight. Calcium may be low in vegetarian diets.
GOOD FOLIC ACID SOURCES Dark green leafy vegetables, wheat germ, yeast, cow's milk	GOOD SOURCES Milk and cheese are good sources of calcium. Green leafy vegetables provide some calcium also. If no milk or cheese is eaten, a calcium supplement should be provided.

Protein Foods for the Vegetarian Diet

Vegetarian Food Combinations