Kids today have more choice in what they consume than that of previous generations. Because of the different food choices out there and no shortage of food, they are being more particular as to what goes into their bodies. With more education on how our food is made and prepared, people are more aware on how that can affect them in the long run.
Not every social class will be able to afford good quality food. Those who do are even having a big impact on how their children consume food. There are infants and toddlers who are vegan in what is their most vital development age. They need nutrients that can be easily found in certain animal based foods but harder to supplement with a vegan diet. There are nine essential amino acids the body cannot produce alone but are available in animal proteins. In the case of children who have vegan diets, the key is to have as many kinds of vegetables in the diet as possible. Do not limit yourself to just one at a time. Specifically, legumes, peanuts and almonds are the sources of amino acids you should be focusing on.
Vitamin B12 is another one that is important for the creation of red blood cells and the proper functioning of the nervous system and brain. The best place to find this is in supplements and fortified foods. Vitamin D is necessary for absorbing calcium, which leads to healthy bones. This can be activated when visible to sunlight. Vitamin D paired with calcium is the equation to healthy bones. Your best bet as a vegan is to get it in supplements. Omega-3 fatty acids are vital for cell formation and central nervous system, keeping your heart healthy and the brain. The best plant based sources are with flaxseed, walnut, and canola oils. Lastly, iron can also be low in vegan diets. Beans, leafy greens, dried grapes and oranges are a good source of iron.