Vegan Nutrition with Brenda Davis

Brenda Davis is a registered dietitian in private practice. She is the past Chair of the Vegetarian Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group of the American Dietetic Association. Brenda is co-author of the international best seller, Becoming Vegetarian, and highly acclaimed Becoming Vegan. Brenda is an internationally recognized speaker. She has worked as a public health nutritionist, a clinical nutrition specialist, nutrition consultant and academic nutrition instructor.

Question:

Is it possible for my baby to have a B-12 deficiency with slow growth being the only symptom? He practically stopped growing at about 5 months old and got very thin. Yet, he is a happy and healthy baby and appears to be normal in every other way- except his slow growth.

Answer:

Slow growth can certainly result from B12 deficiency, however, it is unlikely to be the only symptom. With B12 deficiency the red blood cells become large and abnormally shaped and anemia develops. The blood cells fail to carry oxygen as well as they should and weakness, fatigue and irritability results. With prolonged deficiency, serious nerve system damage can occur. If your baby does not have a good source of B12 in the diet, I would strongly urge that it be added (0.5 mcg/day is recommended). I would also encourage you to have your baby's B12 status checked. It is quite possible that your baby's slow growth is an indication that he needs more calories - he may be ready for solid foods. If he is constantly hungry, even after nursing 8-10 times a day, can sit up and has lost the extrusion reflex (in other words can swallow foods without spitting most of it out) he very likely needs the extra energy solid foods would provide.

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