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Vegetarian kid for 2020

5 replies

Southernemmy · 11/01/2020 06:46

So... my 10 year old has decided to go vegetarian and I want to support him as much as possible. Has anyone been through the same and bought any particular vitamins from Boots etc in order to make sure they get the right nutrients? Any suggestions would be welcome. Thank you in advance.

OP posts:
redwinefine · 11/01/2020 17:07

what kind of vegetarian? Complete lacto-ovo (nothing the animal was killed for - so certain breads, cheeses, sweets, soft drinks, crisps, etc are off limits) or just not eating meat which is much less restrictive. there's a great book 'cooking for your vegetarian kids' that I got years ago and has great recipes, etc making sure you get your nutrients.

Southernemmy · 11/01/2020 17:47

He’s just avoiding meat and fish basically. I’ve got some lovely recipes but my friend mentioned I should make sure he takes vitamins too. I know he needs B12 at least as well as others. I just wasn’t sure what would be the best ones from Boots? Or any vitamin place .

OP posts:
Equimum · 11/01/2020 18:04

Our children have been raised vegetarian and they don’t need specific vitamins as long as they eat a varied diet. Luckily, our kids are happy to eat most vegetables and things that we can disguise nutritional products in.

Your son should be able to get B12 through his diet. If he eats eggs and dairy products, they are rich in B12, as is Marmite. B12 is also added to fortified cereals (including Kellogg’s cornflakes) and present in soy/ tofu products, which may also be good protein replacements. We tend to stir some marmite through tomato dishes, or add some nutritional yeast flakes (you can find these at most big supermarkets). B12 deficiency is something you have to think more about if he becomes vegan or cuts down on dairy/eggs etc.

We have also found that buying things like seeded breads, encouraging but butters on snacks etc really increases protein intake without much effort. Beans and seeds are also great sources of iron - even baked beans!

Certain seeds are also good sources of Omega-3, which can be difficult to get in a veggie diet. We tend to make Chia pudding, or sprinkle flax seeds on breakfast foods, into sauces or in homemade breads.

We do give our Kids Haliborange multivitamins and vit D as well, as we would if they were not veggie. If you are buying a. Kids multivitamin, do be aware that many aren’t vegetarian and the gum type ones normally have gelatine in them.

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Southernemmy · 12/01/2020 02:09

Thank you! This is reassuring. I had read up but there is so much conflicting advice out there. I am really grateful you have taken the time to write such a comprehensive comment. 😊 I love the marmite tip!

OP posts:
PorpentinaScamander · 12/01/2020 02:29

Ds1 has been pescetarian for about 8 years now. I've never given him any vitamins Confused

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