## Traditional diet Eating habits have been formed over hundreds of years. They depend on natural conditions, the characteristics of local flora and fauna, religious beliefs, climate, and other factors. Hundreds of years of trial and error in every culture have formed the diet most successful in raising healthy children and active adults. Recently, however, more and more people are exploring alternative diet trends. The body of an adult is fully formed, so different diets can be tried safely, in most cases. However, children are still growing — so any diet must take into account how it will affect the child. ## Other considerations When considering putting their child on a vegetarian diet, parents should keep a few things in mind. First, animal milk contains highly digestible [calcium](https://ul.orna.me/KOge/librarybiomarker?id=127) that is necessary for the normal formation of bones and teeth. And meat products are a source of [iron](https://ul.orna.me/KOge/librarybiomarker?id=140), which is absorbed from meat much better than from plants. These nutrients are especially needed during early childhood and puberty, as the child’s body grows and develops. Try to avoid giving your child exotic fruits and vegetables — stick to local familiar fruits and vegetables. And make sure your child is getting enough carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats — all three are crucial for development. ## A smart approach When switching your child’s diet, you need to consider several factors: __Local products__ — vegetarianism is more popular in areas where there is a wide variety of fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts, and spices all year round. __Life itself__ — a study found that vegetarians in Europe are more susceptible to diseases associated with imbalances of nutrients, compared to vegetarians living in countries where the denial of animal food is part of the tradition. One of the main reasons cited was the practice of treating fruits and vegetables during transport and storage and washing them thoroughly before eating them. This destroys the layer of microflora rich in nutrients. __The peculiarities of the intestinal microbiota__, which not only help us to digest food but also synthesizes essential vitamins and amino acids. The composition of the microbiota depends largely on a person's diet. __The habit of eating refined foods__, the use of preservatives and antiseptics in the transportation and processing of food, and the use of chemicals in agriculture contribute to the depletion of the microbiota. Microbiota is transmitted from mother to baby, so we can talk about "generic" microbiota specific to a certain family. Everyone is free to choose a lifestyle for themselves and their children. It is important to approach this question responsibly. When making this decision, you must be aware of your responsibility for the health of your children. It is a good idea to regularly consult with a nutritionist to discuss your plans.