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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Hi, I am concerned about my one-year old daughter's diet... I was unable to breastfeed and combined expressed breast milk and dairy formula for 4-5 weeks, after which my milk dried up and I fed her Hipp Organic dairy formula, occasionally supplemented with Aptamil or hemp oil for EFAs, which are missing from Hipp Organic formula.

I am trying to wean her off her formula now, particularly as I don't believe dairy products are healthy. I was told that I could transfer her to a soya formula, but there are no soya formulae that are GM-free or organic. I would like to restrict dairy in my daughter's diet but have heard that soya, almond, rice and oat milks are no good for toddlers as they are not rich enough. They also tend to be sweetened.

Would you please advise me how to ensure she has sufficient fluids of the correct caloric value for the next year or so?

Many thanks,
Abby

Dear Abby: As you indicated, during the first year of life, the only acceptable alternative to breast milk is commercial formula. Other fluids do not have enough and the right balance of nutrients.

After one year, it is appropriate to start weaning off of breastmilk and formula, and switch to fortified soy milk (make sure you choose a full-fat brand, fortified with calcium, vitamin D, riboflavin [vitamin B2], and vitamin B12). This milk is rich enough for after the first year, but reduced fat soy milks, almond milk, rice milk, and oat milk typically are not. The soy milk you're using should contain at least 130 calories, at least 8 grams of protein, and at least 4 grams of fat per 8 fluid ounces (250 ml). Edensoy Extra is an excellent example; in the UK, check labels on Plamil and Alpro brands.

Please keep in mind that during the second year, the growth rate slows considerably and your daughter will seem to be taking in less than before. By one year, most babies have been introduced to solid foods: iron-fortified cereals, grains, strained or mashed fruits and vegetables, legumes such as lentils and tofu, and fats such as oils and margarines. These foods, along with about 3 cups of fortified, full-fat soy milk, should be given throughout the day.

Regarding sufficient fluids and correct caloric values, my advice to you is to trust yourself and your baby. She knows when she's hungry, and she knows when she's full. As long as she is growing and developing normally, and you are providing a wide variety of foods each day (including a reliable source of vitamins D and B12), you are doing wonderfully! As always, however, take your daughter to her health care provider for regular physical exams and checkups, where any potential problems can be identified and addressed.

For those searching for an organic and vegan infant formula, unfortunately, at this time US and UK food industries do not offer any completely vegan soy-based formulas. However there are organic soy formulas, where the only non-vegan component is added vitamin D that is derived from an animal source (sheep's wool). For example, Baby's Only Organic soy formula is available from most supermarkets and health food stores, or can be ordered directly from www.babyorganic.com. If you live outside the US, you may be able to order it from www.organicbebe.com.

For more personalized and direct support and information regarding infant feeding, please call your local La Leche League International group, which serves over 40 countries and regions. Visit www.lalecheleague.org.

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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