Medically Reviewed By:
Last Updated on July 21, 2022 by Team THIP
Yes, one can eat a vegan diet during pregnancy, provided the diet is well-balanced, carefully planned, and healthy.
The British Dietetic Association (BDA) renewed its memorandum and stated that “a balanced vegan diet can be enjoyed by children and adults, including during pregnancy and breastfeeding if the nutritional intake is well-planned.”
A vegan diet does not contain a few nutrients, such as Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, DHA. These nutrients are vital during pregnancy for the proper growth and development of the baby. Therefore, careful planning is crucial if one opts for a vegan diet during pregnancy. In order to compensate for the nutritional deficiencies in the diet, one must consume a supplement to fulfil the deficiency. Vitamin B12 supplement might be needed. If there is no deficiency of Vitamin D, then supplement is not necessary. ALA rich foods can get converted to DHA in the body and therefore, a supplement for DHA might not be necessary.
Include lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet. Limit the consumption of trans fats and tropical oils and add sources of Omega-3 fatty acids such as walnut, chia seeds, etc.
One must consult a qualified dietician as it can be difficult to find the right balanced diet for a person. The dietician can specially tailor your vegan diet during pregnancy as per your body requirements.
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