Vegetarian and other alternative diets

There are numerous myths in Pediatrics, and especially referred to Infant Nutrition. In recent years, the number of families attending clinics following a vegetarian, vegan, or alternative eating pattern has increased. It is essential for healthcare professionals to be up-to-date on these topics in order to make the most appropriate recommendations and resolve any questions that may arise, especially in the first months of a baby’s life and during adolescence: Is it possible and healthy?, will it lack any nutrients?, should any vitamins be given? what follow-up should be performed? This paper aims to review the literature on feeding with non-traditional diets, especially vegetarian or vegan, and address these questions that concern us as professionals, allowing us to guide families in appropriately implementing them. A detailed analysis of the nutrients to monitor is provided, with recommendations for meeting these needs, as well as a review of the evidence regarding the supplements required in certain cases. Breast milk is the ideal food for babies. From 6 months complementary feeding should be started, and it can be vegetarian or vegan provided it is based on fresh and minimally processed products, includes the necessary nutrients, and is supplemented with at least vitamin D until 12 months and vitamin B12 for life. A vegetarian or vegan diet can be adequately and healthily implemented at any stage of childhood, as long as it is well planned, supplemented, and supervised by an experienced healthcare professional.