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.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction and question
- Methodology
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women
- Recommendations for nutrient intake
- Nutritional evaluation of vegan diet in pregnant and breastfeeding women
- Breast milk from vegans
- Example of practical implementation
- "Vegan-Vegetarian diets in pregnancy: danger or panacea? A systematic narrative review"
- "A maternal vegetarian diet in pregnancy is associated with hypospadias"
- Infants and young children
- Recommendations for nutrient intake
- Nutritional evaluation of vegan nutrition in infants and children
- Soy-based infant formula
- Nutrient supplementation in infants
- Weaning and complementary food
- Example of practical implementation
- "The Growth of vegetarian children: The Farm Study"
- "Growth and Development of British vegan children"
- Macrobiotic nutrition in infants
- Expert opinions
- Position of the German Nutrition Society
- Position of the American Dietetic Association: Vegetarian Diets
- Reviews
- Discussion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This work aims to provide a nutritional evaluation of vegan diets during pregnancy, lactation, and the first three years of a child's life. It examines the adequacy of vegan diets in meeting the nutritional needs of mothers and children, considering contrasting viewpoints from professional organizations like the German Nutrition Society (DGE) and the American Dietetic Association (ADA).
- Nutritional adequacy of vegan diets for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
- Nutritional adequacy of vegan diets for infants and young children.
- Comparison of differing expert opinions on vegan diets during these life stages.
- Review of existing research on the effects of vegan diets on maternal and child health.
- Practical implementation of vegan diets for mothers and children.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Introduction and question: This chapter introduces the study's focus on the nutritional evaluation of vegan diets during pregnancy, lactation, and in infants and toddlers up to age three. It highlights the increasing popularity of veganism and the controversy surrounding its suitability during these critical life stages. The chapter contrasts the differing opinions of the German Nutrition Society (DGE) and the American Dietetic Association (ADA) regarding the adequacy of vegan diets to meet nutritional needs, and sets the stage for the research by highlighting the need for further investigation into this topic given the limited existing research.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women: This chapter delves into the nutritional requirements of pregnant and breastfeeding women following a vegan diet. It explores recommendations for nutrient intake, critically evaluates the nutritional aspects of vegan diets during these phases, and analyzes breast milk composition from vegan mothers. Furthermore, it presents case studies, including reviews of existing research ("Vegan-Vegetarian diets in pregnancy: danger or panacea? A systematic narrative review" and "A maternal vegetarian diet in pregnancy is associated with hypospadias"), to illustrate the complexities and potential challenges of maintaining a healthy vegan diet during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Infants and young children: This section thoroughly examines the nutritional needs of infants and young children on vegan diets. It discusses recommended nutrient intake, evaluates the nutritional content of vegan diets for this age group, and explores the use of soy-based infant formula and the need for nutrient supplementation. The chapter also addresses the practical aspects of weaning and introducing complementary foods, referencing relevant studies ("The Growth of vegetarian children: The Farm Study" and "Growth and Development of British vegan children") and considering the implications of macrobiotic diets for infants.
Expert opinions: This chapter presents the contrasting viewpoints of the German Nutrition Society (DGE) and the American Dietetic Association (ADA) on vegan diets during pregnancy, lactation, and early childhood. This comparison sheds light on the current debate surrounding the nutritional adequacy and safety of vegan diets for this population, highlighting the need for further research and comprehensive guidelines.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Vegan diet, pregnancy, lactation, infants, children, nutrition, nutrient adequacy, nutrient deficiency, German Nutrition Society (DGE), American Dietetic Association (ADA), soy-based infant formula, nutrient supplementation, maternal health, child health.
Frequently Asked Questions: Nutritional Evaluation of Vegan Diets During Pregnancy, Lactation, and Early Childhood
What is the main focus of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive nutritional evaluation of vegan diets during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and the first three years of a child's life. It examines the adequacy of vegan diets in meeting the nutritional needs of mothers and children, considering various viewpoints from professional organizations.
What topics are covered in the document?
The document covers the nutritional requirements for pregnant and breastfeeding women on vegan diets, including recommendations for nutrient intake and an analysis of breast milk composition. It also explores the nutritional needs of infants and young children on vegan diets, discussing soy-based infant formulas, nutrient supplementation, and weaning. Furthermore, it compares the positions of the German Nutrition Society (DGE) and the American Dietetic Association (ADA) on vegan diets during these life stages and reviews existing research on the topic.
What are the key themes explored?
Key themes include the nutritional adequacy of vegan diets for pregnant and breastfeeding women and infants/young children; a comparison of expert opinions from the DGE and ADA; a review of research on the effects of vegan diets on maternal and child health; and practical implementation of vegan diets for mothers and children.
What specific studies or research are referenced?
The document references several studies, including "Vegan-Vegetarian diets in pregnancy: danger or panacea? A systematic narrative review," "A maternal vegetarian diet in pregnancy is associated with hypospadias," "The Growth of vegetarian children: The Farm Study," and "Growth and Development of British vegan children."
What are the chapter summaries?
The document includes chapter summaries covering the introduction and research question; a detailed examination of vegan diets in pregnant and breastfeeding women, including practical implementation examples; an in-depth look at vegan nutrition for infants and young children, including weaning and complementary foods; a comparison of expert opinions from the DGE and ADA; and a concluding discussion.
What are the key words associated with this document?
Key words include: Vegan diet, pregnancy, lactation, infants, children, nutrition, nutrient adequacy, nutrient deficiency, German Nutrition Society (DGE), American Dietetic Association (ADA), soy-based infant formula, nutrient supplementation, maternal health, child health.
What are the objectives of this work?
The objective is to provide a nutritional evaluation of vegan diets during pregnancy, lactation, and the first three years of a child's life, examining the adequacy of these diets in meeting nutritional needs and comparing contrasting viewpoints from professional organizations.
What is the overall conclusion (inferred)?
While not explicitly stated as a conclusion, the document highlights the need for further research and more comprehensive guidelines concerning the nutritional adequacy and safety of vegan diets during pregnancy, lactation, and early childhood due to the existing contrasting viewpoints of professional organizations and limited research.
- Quote paper
- Marlene Pirker (Author), 2016, Vegan diet during pregnancy and first years of life, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1188408
