Abstract

MARTINS, Daniela Silva; FARIA, Ana  and  LOUREIRO, Helena. Vegetarian food in children and adolescents. Acta Port Nutr [online]. 2019, n.18, pp.50-53. ISSN 2183-5985.  https://doi.org/10.21011/apn.2019.1809.

Eating behaviors have been changing over the years and there has been a greater interest in the vegetarian dietary pattern by adults but also by children and adolescents. The aim of this paper is to identify the reasons for adhering to the vegetarian dietary pattern and to identify the health effects of this dietary pattern on children and adolescents. Some of the reasons that may lead children and adolescents to adopt a vegetarian dietary pattern may be for health, environmental, religious or ethical reasons. The dietary pattern in question has some health benefits including the prevention of diseases such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer. Finally, the vegetarian dietary pattern, if properly planned, can provide the nutritional needs of children and adolescents. However, if not well planned can lead to nutritional deficits, compromising proper growth and development in these age groups.

Keywords : Adolescents; Children; Vegetarian diet; Health.

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