Monday, February 21, 2005

Vegan Fetuses

Scientists warns against depriving youngsters of meat:

A United States Government scientist says pregnant women who are vegetarians or vegans could be seriously harming their unborn babies.

Dr Lindsey Allen, a nuritionist, has also told the American Association for the Advancement of Science that putting young children on a meat-free diet is unethical because they are not getting all the nutrients they need.

She says there is growing evidence to suggest that a lack of those nutrients could affect a child's development.

"I would go so far as to say it's unethical for parents not to provide their children, their growing children, whether it be in the uterus or after they're born with animal source foods that are so clearly required for their normal development," she said.

Her comments are based on the results of a study of poor children in Kenya which showed that providing small amounts of animal-based food was substantially more effective than artificial supplements.

Who'd've guessed that we omnivores needed to eat meat?

8 comments:

Fragile Kitty said...

Do you think the good doctor has stock in a cattle-breeding company?

Sotosoroto said...

Now aren't you the cynic? (-:

Fragile Kitty said...

Eek! It's all my hubby's fault :) I guess I find it hard to believe that a scientist would sincerely base such statements on such limited data.

Sotosoroto said...

Heh. Did you read my previous post? I didn't realize the similarities...

Fragile Kitty said...

Yep :) Global warming is something I'm not so sure about (I know people don't require meat). I've heard convincing arguments from both sides, but whether we're causing it (and it's really happening) or not, I wish we'd treat the planet with a little more respect.

Sotosoroto said...

Humans might not require meat for survival, but it sure is the best way to get a well-rounded diet. Those multivitamins just aren't natural...

Fragile Kitty said...

I think eating meat is the easiest way to meet your nutritional needs, but not necessarily the best. Being vegetarian takes a lot more work, but you can get everything you need (and you don't even have to resort to multivitamins).

Chandira said...

I have mixed feelings, I know quite a few organic-vegan-raised kids who're really very healthy, but myself, I space out and get sick if I don't eat just a little meat.
I need the cholesterol! it f***s up the hormmonal balance if you don't get enough. Eating eggs isn't quite enough, apparently.