Vegan Health Tips with Michael Klaper, M.D.

Michael Klaper, M.D. is the author of Pregancy, Children, and the Vegan Diet; one of only a few books that covers vegan pregnancy on the market today. He has postgraduate training in medicine, surgery, anesthesiology, and obstetrics. He continues to educate people on the benefits of a vegan diet.

Disclaimer: The medical opinions stated here are for educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified health care provider.

Question:

My child is no longer breastfeeding (7 months old) but we are giving her soy formula and solids. When can I give her rice or soy milk?

Answer:

Try to wait until she is at least one year of age and is meeting her needs for calories and protein by eating "nutrient-dense" solid foods like nut butters, mashed bean spreads, avocados, tahini, cooked grains, baked goods, etc. When she is obtaining sufficient amounts of these essential nutrients (calories and protein) through whole foods, she no longer requires the infant formula. At that time, fortified rice milk containing additional calcium, Vitamin B-12 and other nutrients, along with fresh vegetable juices and ample pure water will serve as suitable drinking beverages. However, if there is any question of her eating sufficient amounts of food to meet her metabolic needs, continuing to use the current infant formula throughout her second year will provide excellent "nutritional insurance." If she likes drinking the formula, do not feel compelled to wean her off it before the end of the second year.

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