Quorn

[SallyJGP]

I'm having trouble finding out if it's OK to give babies Quorn. I emailed their help dept but haven't had a reply. I've actually already given Rory (7 months) Quorn, about twice a week in the form of veggie shepherd's pie which I make myself using Quorn mince. I realise it's low in fat so I make sure I add plenty of olive oil and mix his veg with a bit of butter and creme fraiche but are there any other problems with it?

Spooky - I was just about to post on the same subject. I see on the packet that it has 14.5% (?) protein - how does this equate to meat or fish - anyone know?

I would check the sodium content - I don't use Quorn myself but the veggie mince I sometimes use is pretty salty, and I don't give it to ds for that reason. Otherwise I wouldn't have thought there was any particular problem. Don't know how the protein content compares with other stuff, sorry.

I am wondering about the protein too, whether it has a full set of amino acids? I'm giving Rory lots of other veggie proteins so he should be completely fine but I just wish Quorn would answer my query. Haven't checked out the saltiness as it tastes very bland to me but will have a look.

My son is 20 months and has been eating quorn since he was about 4 months. He loves it. Especially the piece, coated in tomato puree with a sprinkling of garlic seasoning then fried!! Comes in handy when he wont eat anything else. I use lots of butter with it too, to increase the fat. I've never had any problems with him. I have noticed though that some shop brand (ie Asda) mince style is a lot saltier so I only use the proper stuff.

I know that one of the nurseries I looked at specifically gave quorn instead of meat to the little ones for health reasons. She was a mum herself to one of the kids there so I'm assuming she had checked it out.

Check this out.... www.quornworld.com/uk/fihealth.htm.

And also this ... www.cspinet.org/new/200208121.html

Sally JGP -great thread as I had the same questions myself!

FYI just got this from the vegetarian society website, so worth checking that out and maybe emailing them with a more specific query. HTH

Quorn and textured vegetable protein

The manufacturers of Quorn recommend that it is not introduced into a child?s diet before the age of two years. Textured vegetable protein may be difficult for young babies to digest, and its salt content must be watched.

Sally JGP -great thread as I had the same questions myself!

FYI just got this from the vegetarian society website, so worth checking that out and maybe emailing them with a more specific query. HTH

Quorn and textured vegetable protein

The manufacturers of Quorn recommend that it is not introduced into a child?s diet before the age of two years. Textured vegetable protein may be difficult for young babies to digest, and its salt content must be watched.

I e-mailed a quorn manufacturer a few months ago with this query and was told it shouldn't be a major(?) part of a childs diet until they are two. Hope this helps.

I have been told it's really difficult for small children to digest so should not be given until 3 years. This may be complete rubbish of course and I can't remember where I got it from.