Myth - Vegetarian eating is not suitable for children or pregnant and breastfeeding women
Fact - Well-planned vegetarian and vegan diets are appropriate during all stages of the life cycle, including pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, and adolescence
Children
Studies have shown that lifelong vegetarian eaters have similar heights and weights to those who have become vegetarians later in life, which means that starting on a vegetarian diet early in life does not affect the final adult height and weight.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women
Pregnant and lactating women who follow vegetarian diets have the same nutrient and energy requirements as non-vegetarian women, apart from higher recommendations for iron intake, which can be easily achieved on a well-planned diet.
References
1Position Paper of the American Dietetic Association: Vegetarian Diets. 2009.