Solved by a verified expert:Lesson
12 Case Study: Vegan Diets for Children
Frank and Jan W. are the proud parents of
Jesse, an 18-month-old child who has been breastfed from birth. Jesse was 7
pounds 1 ounce at birth and at her last checkup she weighed 20 pounds. Jesse’s
mom breastfeeds her in the morning and before putting her to bed at night.
During the day, Jesse drinks juice and water from a cup. Jesse’s parents have
been feeding her a vegan diet since her birth, citing a strong family history
of heart disease as their reason for this choice. Jesse’s current diet includes
a variety of chopped fruit, vegetables, cereal, mashed beans, and soy-based
cheeses. Both parents want the best for their child and are carefully
considering whether to continue her current diet restrictions.

Using the
“How to” feature on page 511, plot Jesse’s birth weight and her current
weight for age. What might this information indicate to Jesse’s parents?

Using the “How to” feature on page
511, Jesse’s weight should be 22.5 pounds. But Jesse’s current weight is 20
pounds means she is underweight. Jesse has less protein intake than she should
be due to her vegan diet. As per American Dietetic Association and American
Academy of Pediatrics, a strict vegan diet can put negative impact to the
infant and grown up child, unless it is well-planned with proteins and
vitamins.

What
impact might a vegan diet have on Jesse’s nutritional status and
development that her parents should consider?

The portion of
the protein in vegetable-based food is lower than in animal-based protein. For
Jesse, it indicates that she is having
some negative effects of a vegan diet. Jesse is not getting
well-balanced vitamins and minerals intake.
Calcium intake from a vegan diet is below than recommended. Iron intake
from a vegan diet is above than a recommendation. Vegan diet is not a
high-quality source of vitamin B12. It also could not enough source of vitamin
D.

What
components of a Jesse’s diet may contribute to her low rate of weight
gain? Explain.

As Jesse is
discouraged from breast milk, her diet should add Calcium, vitamin D and
B12-based soy milk.

4.
In view of her current diet,
what nutrition strategies might Jesse’s parents consider to improve her weight
gain? Give specific examples.
However, as health care
professionals, we should advise our parents that they should not strictly with
vegan or vegetarian diets that are not appropriately chosen and lack of
adequate nutrients.
5. As
Jesse is weaned from breast milk, what vegan foods might be added to her diet
to prevent nutrient deficiencies?

6. Using
the meal plan in Figure 16-6 as a guide, show how Jesse’s parents might provide
a child-friendly and balanced diet that contains no animal foods.
Using the meal plan in Figure 16-6 as a
guide, Jesse’s parents might provide a child-friendly and balanced diet that
contains no animal foods.
Sample Meal Plan for Jesse:

Breakfast

½ cup reduced-fat milk

Morning

½ cup yogurt

Snack

¼ cup fruit

Lunch

sandwich- 1slice whole-wheat bread with ½
slice Cheese
½ cup vegetables (steamed carrots)
¼ cup 100% fruit Juice (diluted)

Afternoon

½ cup fruit

Snack

½ cup toasted oat cereal

Dinner

1 oz chopped meat

Citation: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2528709/