Question

What are the most common nutritional concerns of plant-based diets for infants and children?

Multiple select question.

obesity


deficiency of vitamin D


deficiency of vitamin B-12


deficiency of iron

Answer 1

The most common nutritional concerns of plant-based diets for infants and children include:

- **Deficiency of vitamin D**: Since vitamin D is primarily obtained from sunlight and certain animal products, children on a plant-based diet may not get enough.

- **Deficiency of vitamin B-12**: Vitamin B-12 is primarily found in animal products, and a plant-based diet typically lacks this essential nutrient, leading to potential deficiencies.

- **Deficiency of iron**: While plant-based foods contain iron, it is in the non-heme form, which is less easily absorbed by the body compared to heme iron from animal sources. This can lead to potential iron deficiency.

**Obesity** is typically not considered a common concern specific to plant-based diets for infants and children; in fact, well-planned plant-based diets may promote healthy weight maintenance.

So, the correct answers would be:
- Deficiency of vitamin D
- Deficiency of vitamin B-12
- Deficiency of iron