by Nutrition experts have warned that raising babies vegan can cause “irreversible damage”, including “more fractures, nutrient deficiencies and shorter stature”.
It comes after Lucy Watson came under fire after revealing her parenting plans to raise her “miracle” baby on a plant-based diet.
The Made in Chelsea star, 32, told her fans on her Instagram during a Q&A that she and her husband, James Dunmore, 34, will raise their newborn on the same diet as which Lucy also adheres to.
The revelation did not surprise her followers, as the reality star has been a strong advocate for animal rights and veganism her entire life.
However, many fans flocked to their social media channels to voice their concerns about the future plan; some even claimed that Lucy’s veganism aggravated her fertility problems and prevented her from getting pregnant in the first place.
Here, FEMAIL reveals expert opinions on the risk of raising your baby on a vegan diet, which is made up exclusively of plants such as vegetables, fruits, grains and nuts. As such, the diet is free of animal products, including dairy products and eggs.
Lucy Watson (left) has come under fire after revealing her parenting plans to raise her ‘miracle’ baby as a vegan with husband James Dunmore (right).
While vegans around the world declare the diet safe and healthy, others oppose this lifestyle because it poses an obstacle to a nutritious diet.
In recent times, the number of people looking to reduce their meat consumption in favor of a plant-based lifestyle has increased enormously; A 2022 report estimates that 46 percent of Britons aged 16 to 75 are considering reducing their consumption of animal products in the future, according to Ipsos.
But when it comes to raising a vegan baby, disputes have arisen, as in the case of Lucy Watson.
In conversation with FEMAIL, food and nutrition experts explained the concerns of raising a child on a plant-based diet.
Common ground was found between each expert, with careful planning being the key component to a successful vegan diet for a newborn.
Ro Huntriss, consultant dietician and founder of Fertility Dietitian UK, told FEMAIL: “It is absolutely possible to raise a baby safely on a vegan diet, but particular attention must be paid to the child’s nutritional needs to ensure they are provided with all essential nutrients. through diet or supplements.’
However, others, such as Sandra Greenbank, fertility nutritionist and founder of The Fertility Nutrition Centre, highlighted several key concerns when raising a newborn as a vegan.
Sandra explained: ‘Children raised on a vegan diet have been shown to have 5% less bone mineral density compared to children fed an omnivorous diet.
The Made in Chelsea star (pictured), 32, told fans on her Instagram during a Q&A that she and her husband, James Dunmore, 34, will be raising their newborn with the same diet that Lucy also adheres to.
«They are also, on average, 3 cm shorter. We develop 95% of our bone density by the time we are 20 years old, so low bone density in childhood or adolescence predisposes to a higher risk of fractures later in life.’
In addition to potential bone density complications, Sandra added that children raised on a vegan diet are at increased risk for nutrient deficiencies, including vitamin B12, which is only found naturally in animal products, iodine, which is mainly found in white fish and dairy products. Omega-3 foods and fats, found mainly in fish.
But for parents looking to substitute these nutrients, Sandra warned against “highly processed” vegan meat substitutes.
He referred to the products as “ultra-processed,” which raises a “real concern, especially if they form a large part of the foods marketed to children.”
Sandra also pointed out a possible implication of using a soy-based vegan formula.
She said: “If the mother is unable to breastfeed, she may be tempted to introduce a vegan soy-based formula; however, it is important to note that this is not recommended for children under 6 months and should only be used under medical supervision. .
‘There are some concerns around soy-based formulas, as increased exposure to phytoestrogens at this age may affect the baby’s reproductive development.
“A soy-based formula is also more likely to be harmful to baby’s teeth and have a higher aluminum content than cow-based formulas.”
Lucy confirmed that she and James would raise their son as a vegan, following their own dietary choice, while responding to criticism about her own veganism.
And he concluded: “While eating a more plant-based diet is likely to be better for both our health and the planet, completely excluding animal-based foods is a significant challenge, carries risks, and can cause irreversible damage to babies and children. if it is not controlled.” correctly.
“I absolutely urge any parent or caregiver wishing to have a vegan pregnancy or raise a vegan child to work with an expert who can help limit the risks involved.”
Adding to Sandra’s point of view, Claire Hitchen, a BANT registered nutritionist specializing in baby and child nutrition and co-founder of Mini Tummies, warned of similar harms.
Claire told FEMAIL that a properly vegan diet can be safe for the baby, but “special care is needed to make sure they get all the essential nutrients they need for their growth and development.”
In addition to the impact on growth and nutrient deficiencies, it raised two other concerns: allergies.
Claire commented on the possible introduction of allergies in a baby raised vegan.
She said: ‘When it comes to food allergies, research shows that early introduction of allergens, such as eggs, milk and fish, before they turn one year of age, can reduce the risk of a child developing a food allergy.
‘This could become a relevant issue if the child were to abandon the vegan diet in the future. Early introduction of these allergenic foods to the baby has also been linked to reducing the risk of other allergic diseases, such as eczema.
And he concluded: “It is important for any parent who is planning to follow a vegan diet for their child to have adequate nutritional information.”
‘Ensuring a vegan diet is complete for a young child requires a lot of commitment, planning, and proper guidance from a nutrition expert.’
