<P> The American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and Dietitians of Canada state that properly planned vegan diets are appropriate for all life stages, including pregnancy and lactation . They indicate that vegetarian diets may be more common among adolescents with eating disorders, but that its adoption may serve to camouflage a disorder rather than cause one . The Australian National Health and Medical Research Council similarly recognizes a well - planned vegan diet as viable for any age . The British National Health Service's Eatwell Plate allows for an entirely plant - based diet, as does the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) MyPlate . The USDA allows tofu to replace meat in the National School Lunch Program . The German Society for Nutrition does not recommend a vegan diet for babies, children and adolescents, or for women pregnant or breastfeeding . </P> <P> The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and Dietitians of Canada consider well - planned vegetarian and vegan diets "appropriate for individuals during all stages of the lifecycle, including pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, and adolescence, and for athletes". The German Society for Nutrition cautioned against a vegan diet for pregnant women, babies, and children as of 2011 . The position of the Canadian Pediatric Society is that "well - planned vegetarian and vegan diets with appropriate attention to specific nutrient components can provide a healthy alternative lifestyle at all stages of fetal, infant, child and adolescent growth . Attention should be given to nutrient intake, particularly protein, vitamins B and D, essential fatty acids, iron, zinc, and calcium . </P> <P> According to a 2015 systematic review, there is little evidence available about vegetarian and vegan diets during pregnancy, and a lack of randomized studies meant that the effects of diet could not be distinguished from confounding factors . It concluded: "Within these limits, vegan - vegetarian diets may be considered safe in pregnancy, provided that attention is paid to vitamin and trace element requirements ." A daily source of vitamin B is important for pregnant and lactating vegans, as is vitamin D if there are concerns about low sun exposure . A different review found that pregnant vegetarians consumed less zinc than pregnant non-vegetarians, with both groups' intake below recommended levels; however, the review found no significant difference between groups in actual zinc levels in bodily tissues, nor any effect on gestation period or birth weight . </P> <P> Researchers have reported cases of vitamin B deficiency in lactating vegetarian mothers that were linked to deficiencies and neurological disorders in their children . A doctor or registered dietitian should be consulted about taking supplements during pregnancy . </P>

Eating food of both animal and vegetable origin 10 letters