Can it provide all the nutrients necessary for a growing child?

This question causes concern for many parents with vegetarian children. The short answer is yes. In fact, a number of studies have shown that vegetarians are generally healthier than people who eat meat.

However, a vegetarian diet does need to be well planned if it is to meet the increased nutritional demands of a growing child. There are some areas if nutrition that require special attention for all vegetarians, and these are particularly important for children because their needs are higher than those of adults.

The Food Standards Agency has an excellent website, which has information on eating healthily as a vegetarian and vegan. With specific nutritional advice for parents wanting to ensure their children get all the nutrition they need. Visit: http://www.eatwell.gov.uk/healthydiet/vegaveg

Special care must be taken when feeding kids and teens a vegetarian diet, especially if it doesn't include dairy and egg products. And, as with any diet, you'll need to not only ensure that your child is getting enough of all the necessary nutrients, but understand that the nutritional needs of children change as they grow.
For more information visit: http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/nutrition_fit/nutrition/vegetarianism.html