Kids who Don't Eat Meat

Need Extra B12

My five-year-old grandson came home from kindergarten one day and announced that he was not going to eat meat or chicken anymore. He is still eating fish. His parents, who are not vegetarians, were surprised, but have decided to go along with his wishes. What supplements or foods should children who are vegetarians be eating to compensate for the lack of meat in their diet? - H.K., Arad

Dorit Adler, head of the clinical dietitians' unit at Hadassah-University Hospital in Jerusalem's Ein Kerem, responds:

If your grandson is eating milk products and eggs as well as fish, there should be no problem with growth. which is the main danger when animal protein is eliminated from the diet. However, his reserves of vitamin B12, which is found only in animal products, may decline. This vitamin is vital for normal functioning of the nerves. There is some vitamin B12 in fish and milk, but usually not enough for a growing child. Vitamin B12 deficiency is quite common in Israel, and it can lead to a kind of anemia. It would be advisable to have him undergo a blood test to see whether he has enough; if not, he should be given a vitamin B12 supplement.

The most important thing is to ensure a balanced diet. While getting protein from milk products and eggs, he can also get it from eating humous with felafel in a pita, or beans and rice a few times a week. Soya products are good too, but not daily; twice or three times a week is enough. And of course, he should be eating plenty of fruits and vegetables.

His parents and his doctor should keep an eye on his growth chart to make sure his height follows the recommended chart. If a slowing of growth is noted over the next few years, he should be examined. If you have any doubt, check with a dietitian.

We quite frequently see children who decide to become vegetarians. But it isn't clear what caused this change; was it something he saw on TV? A five-year-old child probably wouldn't decide to stop eating meat for ideological or philosophical reasons. He may have decided not to eat anything that looks like a chicken, but be willing to eat schnitzel, for example.

In any case, there is no reason to force him to stop being a vegetarian; in the long run, if he gets a balanced diet, it will probably be good for his health.