Hey IM'S!
My 12yr DD has recently decided to become a vegetarian. I am trying to be accomadating and ensuring to give her meals rich in protien and iron as she has already started getting her period. I was wondering if there are any vitamins or supplements I should consider giving her? There have been multiple women on my side of the family to have low levels of iron and I just want to be sure she isn't missing out on anything.
TIA xx
Supplements in child's diet
Friday, 7 September 2018 - 18:56
Supplements in child's diet
Posted in:
Food, Health & Wellbeing
6 Replies
I would strongly recommend seeing a dietitian (you can get a referral to one through your GP which I believe entitles you to Medicare subsidised appointments) for advice and also consider getting a full blood workup if possible. Figuring out where her point of need might be and how best to address it is more efficient and effective than throwing supplements at something that might not be an issue. Any vitamins or minerals which are not utilised by the body are usually excreted but there are a few that can be toxic in high doses so it's best to get expert advice.
See a dietitian
I'd just cook her favourite meat lol. Tacos, crackling etc. That's what mum did with me. But I'm allergic to the vegetarian protein options. Basically, fill her with legumes
She will prob be missing alot of B12 from meat too. Defs the dietician
I agree to see a dietician, but choosing the correct veggies can be tricky. Most contain more protein/calcium than meat, however she’s missing out on some amino acids that can be found in other places.
Subbing meat for red split lentils, tofu, broccoli, mushrooms and various nuts is usually more beneficial.
It can be just as easy as cooking meat too. For instance, make a bolognese sauce without the meat, and instead toward the end of cooking just add split red lentils and heat until cooked through (about 15-20minutes) freezes well too.
I would recommend a blood test now, to have a baseline of levels, then a blood test in 6 months to ensure they’re around the same.
Good luck, it’s a fun journey and can be beneficial.
Consult a naturopath or integrative GP. Have bloods checked and they will also advise a healthy diet to follow