I agree with Netrox.
Just to clarify. I wouldn't give cows milk to an infant. Due to the high content of protein, their tummy is not able to break it down, causing kidney strain when they have to filter out the extra protein. Breast Milk is the best option until they reach an age they can handle it.
There are several types of Vegans:
Semi-Vegetarian -includes dairy products, eggs, chicken and fish. No red meats.
Pesco-Vegetarian- Includes dairy products, eggs, and fish. No Beef, pork, or poultry
Lacto-Ovo- Vegetarian- Includes Dairy and Eggs. Avoids all animal flesh.
Lacto- Vegetarian- Includes Dairy Products. Avoids Eggs, and all animal flesh.
Ovo- Vegetarian- Includes eggs. Avoids Dairy and all animal flesh.
Vegan- Includes nothing. Avoids Dairy, eggs, all animal flesh.
Fruitarian- Includes nothing. Avoids all foods BUT raw fruits, nuts, and green foliage.
Soybeans are high in protein, and is the leading ingredient in tofu.
The reason that some doctors are against Vegetarian diets for babies and infants is because of the lack of zinc, calcium, Vit. D, riboflavin, and Vit. B 12, which are all in animal foods. Did you know that without some animal foods, providing good fats to children, you hinder their development? They wont grow, instead of fat to burn for fuel, the body goes right to protein, which is all of the body. Muscle, organ, cells, and so on. The brain is 60% fat too.
Large intake of Phytates ( found in whole grains, bran, and soy products), oxalates (found in spinach, rhubarb, and chocolate) and Tannins (found in tea) is not healthy for the body, since these are compounds that can bind minerals that are essential, and prevent absorption in the body.
Vegetarian diets are good in some ways because of no cholesterol, why add to the body when it already makes it on it's own. Health benefits on vegetarian diets are higher than in diets with lots of meat, but it also has it's cons too.
Its all in the matter of balancing all foods to provide necessary nutrients that is needed. Especially in children during rapid growth periods.
