--- title: "Low-Carb Diet for Children? | Sutter Health" description: "With all this talk about carbs being the enemy, is a low-carb diet appropriate for children?" url: "/ask-an-expert/answers/low-carb-diet-for-children-1051061464" --- 1. Home / 2. Low-Carb Diet for Children? # Low-Carb Diet for Children? * * * Medically reviewed by - Joyce Giammattei, DrPH, RD, CDE ## Question With all this talk about carbs being the enemy, is a low-carb diet appropriate for children? ## Answer Growing children should be encouraged to follow a healthy diet that includes all the food groups: lean protein, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats. Low-carb diets are restrictive in many of the nutrients children need. Growing children need calcium, vitamins and minerals that come from milk, fruits, vegetables, and grains. 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