Vegan safety town

A lot of people have questions about the downsides of a vegan diet. Most of the population eats meat, so it’s understandable to have concerns about anything out of that norm. Skepticism peaks when parents decide to raise children adhering to a vegan diet. They’re still growing and require proper eating habits to keep them healthy. 

The truth is, vegans can lack crucial vitamins and nutrients in the food they eat. Calories and protein are typically not as dense, carbohydrate consumption could be high, excessive soy products might cause hormone disruptions, low iron could lead to anemia, and the more well known, vitamin B12 deficiency. Under-education and improper planning makes veganism a risky decision, especially for children. 

Kids are constantly developing and need enough nutrients to keep them strong. Necessary vitamins and supplements are individual to everyone, but they can be easily managed. Consulting dietitians or pediatricians could make the process of finding the right ratio easier. Parents need to be mindful of what is required to keep their child happy and healthy.

Along with improper nutrition, there are also possible social impacts of being a vegan kid. Struggles with relatability could cause the child to disconnect from their peers. Social activities like birthday parties and school events might be limited to them, leading to negative mental health effects. Specialized diets early on in life may lead to dangerous levels of food restriction down the road. If other family members aren’t participating in a vegan lifestyle, it’s imperative for parents to understand the reasons behind the child’s decision. Eating disorder habits can be congruent with big diet changes like this. 

Despite the potential problems, veganism can have countless benefits for everyone’s health, including little ones getting a head start. A vegan diet has proven to have lower rates of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. The food options don’t have as many harmful ingredients that, in large quantities, could cause unhealthy blood levels and other health hazards. Scientists have linked the quality of someone’s diet to their state of mental health and mood. Depressive and anxiety disorders are more likely with meat-heavy diets.  

A vegan lifestyle, when properly managed and maintained, has proven to be healthy for all ages. It’s common knowledge that fetuses can benefit from their mother’s diet choices. Expecting mothers that stick to vegan food can have reduced chances of preeclampsia. Even in the womb, vegan life can thrive.

Veganism is not just a valid decision when having roots in environmentalism or animal welfare, but simply personal health concerns can be convincing enough. A vegan future is sustainable for the planet and everyone in it.