Vegan diet during pregnancy and first years of life

Bachelor Thesis from the year 2016 in the subject Health - Nutritional Science, University of Vienna, language: English, abstract: In Germany in particular, more and more people are adopting a vegan diet. They do without animal products completely and want to pass this diet on to their children. However, they often encounter criticism because an increased risk of nutrient deficiencies is suspected. Marlene Pirker provides clarity on the effects of a vegan diet on pregnant women, nursing mothers, infants and young children up to the age of three. Is a vegan diet in these phases of life also recommendable from a nutritional point of view? Or can it cause damage to the health of the child or mother? Pirker addresses reference values for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, infants and toddlers and evaluates risk nutrients. She also explains how mothers can design a vegan diet. She presents relevant studies and provides testimonials so that expectant mothers can get a comprehensive picture of the effects of a vegan diet.