Vegan Nutrition with Dina Aronson, M.S. R.D.

Dina Aronson, MS, RD is a vegan dietitian whose specialties include chronic disease prevention, vegetarian/vegan nutrition, and lifestyle management. She is the founder and director of VeganRD.com, a nutrition consulting company. Active in many vegetarian nutrition organizations, Dina was the recipient of the American Dietetic Association's Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year Award in 2002.

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Does my toddler need dairy to get her amino acids? My GP says she does. -Emma

Dear Emma,

Absolutely no, humans have no biological need for dairy products. The milk of a cow has no protein or vitamin or mineral that cannot be found in other (healthier) foods. Health practitioners are taught to advise parents to give their children milk because it is convenient, cheap, and a good source of protein and calcium. Somewhere along the line, this recommendation turned into a belief that babies need milk. Babies need their mothers’ milk (or a formula substitute) for the first year of life, but after that, as long as the nutrient needs are being met with a variety of healthy plant foods, milk is not necessary. (Note, however, that breastmilk is still beneficial and recommended after a year.)

Many vegan caretakers choose to give their babies fortified soy milk because like cow’s milk, it is convenient, cheap, and a good source of protein and calcium. But unlike cow’s milk, it is free of growth hormones, pesticides, chemicals, and antibiotics. (And, of course, no soybean has to suffer.)

Consider areas of the world where dairy is not ever consumed, such as in many Asian and African countries. If it were true that these people needed dairy products to get their amino acids, we wouldn’t see so many millions of people thriving there.

Disclaimer: The advice given here is for eductional purposes only. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified health care provider.

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