One of the things we vegetarians hear most frequently from non-vegetarians is the concern that it’s for “adults only”. It’s understandable to think that kids need more protein and other nutrients than they can get from a vegetarian diet, but new research shows that this just isn’t true.

This article from FoxNews this week highlights some of the findings of a new Australian study that sought to find if a vegetarian diet really could provide complete and balanced nutrition.

The answer was “Yes!”

“The scientific research review, “Is a vegetarian diet adequate?” published in the Medical Journal of Australia on Monday, puts to rest the long-held belief a vegetarian diet lacks sufficient protein and iron, The Advertiser reported. The study found those who adopted a vegetarian diet are receiving adequate levels of protein, iron and zinc, and are less likely to suffer from heart disease, colorectal cancer, type 2 diabetes and obesity.

In fact, even babies born of vegetarian moms do just fine on the mothers’ vegetarian diets.

Nutritionist Rosemary Stanton said there were no significant health differences in babies born to vegetarian mothers and no noticeable differences in the growth of vegetarian children compared to children who consumed meat as part of their diet.”

So when non-vegetarian friends or relatives express concern that a vegetarian diet might not provide enough nutrition for their kids or even their kids-to-be, you now have more than your own experience or opinion to offer them.

The more I learn about the safety of our nation’s food supply, the horrible practices of most commercial meat producers and the health benefits of vegetarianism, the more compelled I feel to help others learn. Share this article with at least one friend who’s contemplating vegetarianism but concerned about getting enough nutrition, especially for their kids.