Health Information
Vegetarian Diets
What if your teenager decides to become a vegetarian?
With careful planning, a vegetarian diet can be very healthy for teens. In fact, it can be a great way to get them into a lifelong habit of healthy eating.
If your teen decides to become a vegetarian, teach him or her how to plan meals to get all the right nutrients every day. Teens need Reference calcium and vitamin D. And iron is especially important for teen girls who are menstruating. Talk with your doctor about how much of these vitamins and minerals your child needs. Ask if your teen needs to take a daily supplement.
You may want him or her to talk to a Reference registered dietitian Opens New Window to learn how to plan a healthy vegetarian diet.
It's important to find out why your teen wants to follow a vegetarian diet. Some teens adopt a vegetarian diet as a way to lose weight, and "being a vegetarian" can hide an eating disorder like Reference anorexia Opens New Window.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference July 19, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Reference Rhonda O'Brien, MS, RD, CDE - Certified Diabetes Educator |
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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
