In Germany in particular, more and more people are adopting a vegan diet. They do without animal products completely and want to pass this diet on to their children. However, they often encounter criticism because an increased risk of nutrient deficiencies is suspected.
Marlene Pirker provides clarity on the effects of a vegan diet on pregnant women, nursing mothers, infants and young children up to the age of three. Is a vegan diet in these phases of life also recommendable from a nutritional point of view? Or can it cause damage to the health of the child or mother?
Pirker addresses reference values for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, infants and toddlers and evaluates risk nutrients. She also explains how mothers can design a vegan diet. She presents relevant studies and provides testimonials so that expectant mothers can get a comprehensive picture of the effects of a vegan diet.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction and question
2 Methodology
3 Pregnant and breastfeeding women
3.1 Recommendations for nutrient intake
3.2 Nutritional evaluation of vegan diet in pregnant and breastfeeding women
3.3 Breast milk from vegans
3.4 Example of practical implementation
3.5 "Vegan- Vegetarian diets in pregnancy: danger or panacea? A systematic narrative review"
3.6 "A maternal vegetarian diet in pregnancy is associated with hypospadias"
4 Infants and young children
4.1 Recommendations for nutrient intake
4.2 Nutritional evaluation of vegan nutrition in infants and children
4.3 Soy-based infant formula
4.3.1 "Safety of Soya based infant formula"
4.4 Nutrient supplementation in infants
4.5 Weaning and complementary food
4.6 Example of practical implementation
4.7 "The Growth of vegetarian children: The Farm Study"
4.8 "Growth and Development of British vegan children"
4.9 Macrobiotic nutrition in infants
5 Expert opinions
5.1 Position of the German Nutrition Society
5.2 Position of the American Dietetic Association: Vegetarian Diets
6 Reviews
7 Discussion
Research Objectives and Themes
This work evaluates the nutritional adequacy of a vegan diet during pregnancy, lactation, and the first three years of life. It aims to clarify whether such a diet is nutritionally recommended or if it poses health risks to the mother or child, while addressing controversial views held by various health organizations and the limited scope of existing long-term studies.
- Nutritional requirements during pregnancy and lactation for vegans.
- Evaluation of key nutrient intake and potential deficiency risks in vegan infants and children.
- Assessment of soy-based infant formula safety and efficacy.
- Analysis of growth and development studies of vegan-fed children.
- Comparison of expert recommendations from the German Nutrition Society (DGE) and the American Dietetic Association (ADA).
Excerpt from the Book
3.2.1 Food energy
The energy requirement increases in pregnant women in the second trimester by 250kcal/day, in the third by 500kcal/day [s. Tab. (1).Foods with a high nutrient density should be consumed to meet the increased nutrient requirements without drastically changing energy intake. Vegan women often have a lower BMI compared to omnivorous women [Tonstad et al., 2009]. If body weight is too low, the risk of low birth weight and the risk of miscarriage increases [Leitzmann & Keller 2013]. Pregnant vegans should therefore pay attention to a sufficient energy intake. For exclusive breastfeeding in the first four to six months, there is also an additional requirement of 500kcal/day [s. Tab. (1). However, the need for partial breastfeeding, after the introduction of complementary foods, depends on the intensity and duration of breastfeeding, so no guideline for additional calorie intake is given [EFSA, 2013].
Summary of Chapters
1 Introduction and question: Outlines the focus on the nutritional evaluation of vegan diets during pregnancy, lactation, and early childhood, noting the controversial opinions of professional bodies.
2 Methodology: Describes the systematic literature search performed in 2016 using databases like PubMed and Google Scholar, supplemented by expert literature.
3 Pregnant and breastfeeding women: Analyzes nutrient requirements, the composition of breast milk, and reviews specific studies regarding pregnancy outcomes and potential risks like hypospadias.
4 Infants and young children: Discusses nutritional needs, the role of soy-based formulas, supplementation, and growth studies of vegetarian and vegan children.
5 Expert opinions: Contrasts the skeptical stance of the German Nutrition Society (DGE) with the more positive assessment of the American Dietetic Association (ADA) regarding planned vegan diets.
6 Reviews: Summarizes experience reports from five vegan mothers regarding their pregnancy, supplementation habits, and the development of their children.
7 Discussion: Synthesizes the findings, highlighting the limitations of current studies and emphasizing the necessity of balanced nutrition and supplementation to ensure health.
Keywords
Vegan nutrition, pregnancy, lactation, infants, nutrient deficiency, Vitamin B12, iron, soy-based infant formula, nutrient supplementation, child development, DGE, ADA, dietary reference values, macro- and micronutrients, plant-based diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The work primarily examines the nutritional sufficiency and health implications of adopting a vegan diet during pregnancy, lactation, and the first three years of life, addressing potential nutrient deficiencies.
What are the primary themes addressed?
The core themes include nutrient intake recommendations, critical nutrients like B12 and iron, the safety of soy-based formulas, growth development of vegan children, and the conflicting positions of major health organizations.
What is the main research question?
The study aims to determine whether a vegan diet during these specific life phases is nutritionally recommended or if it poses significant health risks to the mother and child.
Which methodology was employed for this analysis?
The author conducted a systematic literature search in 2016, utilizing Google Scholar and PubMed to identify relevant English-language scientific publications and supplementary expert books.
What is covered in the main body of the work?
The main body details specific nutrient requirements, analyzes clinical studies on pregnancy and growth, evaluates the safety of soy-based infant alternatives, and compares guidelines from the German Nutrition Society and the American Dietetic Association.
Which key terms best characterize this work?
Key terms include vegan nutrition, pregnancy, nutrient deficiency, Vitamin B12, iron, soy-based infant formula, supplementation, and child development.
Why does the German Nutrition Society express caution regarding vegan diets?
The DGE argues that because of the restricted food choice, meeting the high nutrient demands during pregnancy, lactation, and childhood is difficult and poses a high risk of deficiency without careful, informed management.
How does the American Dietetic Association view vegan diets?
The ADA maintains that a well-planned vegan diet is nutritionally adequate and appropriate for all stages of life, including pregnancy and infancy, provided that sufficient nutrients and supplements are utilized.
What were the findings regarding soy-based infant formulas?
The research concludes that while soy-based formula is a viable alternative for non-breastfed vegan children, it must be used correctly, and studies suggest it is generally safe regarding growth, bone health, and cognition.
How did the experience reports from vegan mothers contribute to the work?
The reports illustrated that mothers who are aware of the potential risks of a vegan diet and actively manage their nutrition through supplements and medical guidance can successfully maintain their own health and support their children's normal development.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Marlene Pirker (Autor:in), 2016, Vegan diet during pregnancy and first years of life, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1188408
