Vegetarian Diets - HealthyKidTips.comAbout 7 percent of Americans follow a vegetarian diet, with 1 in 1,000 being vegan. A vegan avoids all animal products in the diet. While this can be a very healthy choice, children following a vegetarian diet may have some special nutritional needs.To ensure that a child using a vegetarian diet maintains complete nutrition for healthy growth and development, use the following guidelines:Consult your health care provider to discuss the individual development and dietary needs of each child.Ensure that the child consumes a variety of vegetables, oils, nuts and juices to provide adequate protein.Iron deficiency is the most common dietary issue for vegetarian children, especially girls during puberty or pregnancy. Iron supplementation may be needed.Vegetarians, especially vegans, may need supplementation with vitamin B12, since this nutrient is found only in foods from animal sources. Deficiency of B12 can result in anemia or inflammation of the nerves. For this reason, vitamin B12 supplementation may be necessary.Vegetarians may need supplementation of Vitamin D, especially if they do not get adequate sun exposure.Calcium supplementation may be required if a growing child does not drink milk.Ensure adequate nutrition for vegetarian children by following these guidelines and consulting with your physician.