Children require a balanced diet for proper brain and body development. As parents worry about limiting junk food, there are increased concerns about animal products. Some families are vegetarian because they believe that animal products are immoral and unhealthy. However, there are certain nutrients in animal products that children require to grow. There is also a misconception that soy products are harmful to children. The key is to offer your child a variety of foods to ensure a healthy diet.
Benefits
Soy products are low in saturated fats, a component of animal products, such as red meat and cow's milk. These foods are also high in protein, which can help keep you full longer. Low-fat, high-fiber foods like soy products can decrease the chances of obesity, heart disease and type 2 diabetes. According to Harvard Medical School, there is even some scientific evidence suggesting that childhood consumption of soy milk may decrease the risk of breast cancer and prostate cancer during adulthood.
Risks
Some children are allergic to soy. Unless your child undergoes a blood-allergy test, you may be unaware of the risk factors. The Soy Foods Association of North America says that soy allergies are present in less than 1 percent of children in the United States. Soy products may also cause adverse effects in a child with thyroid disease. The most common risk of soy products is that they lack certain nutrients crucial for a child's diet.
Supplementation
Strict vegetarian diets restrict animal meat as well as products, such as eggs and cow's milk. Proponents of vegan diets argue that this limits your intake of saturated fats and estrogen. Akron Children's Hospital reports that this sort of diet lacks calcium, folate, thiamine, zinc, essential fatty acids and vitamins B12 and D. Consider adding more fruit, broccoli, tomatoes, fish and nuts to make up for these nutrients. A daily multivitamin might also help, but you should ask a pediatrician first.
Considerations
Both the benefits and the risks of soy are exaggerated by proponents and opponents of vegetarian diets. Kids Health recommends that children incorporate soy products as part of a balanced diet. The soy products in a vegetarian diet are not harmful in themselves, but a diet lacking essential nutrients derived from animal products is. Your child also requires a variety of fruits and vegetables in addition to soy or meat. Also, soy beans can be highly allergenic. If you suspect that your child has a soy allergy, discontinue soy products immediately and see your pediatrician. Common allergy symptoms include hives, rash, itchiness, swelling and breathing difficulties.
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