[Breastfeeding and vegan diet]

J Gynecol Obstet Biol Reprod (Paris). 2005 Oct;34(6):610-2. doi: 10.1016/s0368-2315(05)82888-1.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Vegan diet in lactating women can induce vitamin B12 deficiency for their children with risk of an impaired neurological development. A 9.5-month-old girl presented with impaired growth and severe hypotonia. She had a macrocytic anemia secondary to vitamin B12 deficiency. MRI showed cerebral atrophy. She was exclusively breastfed. Her mother was also vitamin B12 deficient, secondary to a vegan diet. She had a macrocytic anemia when discharged from the maternity. Vegan diet is a totally inadequate regimen for pregnant and lactating women, especially for their children. Prevention is based on screening, information and vitamin supplementation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Brain / pathology
  • Breast Feeding*
  • Diet, Vegetarian / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Growth Disorders
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Lactation
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Muscle Hypotonia
  • Vitamin B 12 Deficiency / diagnosis*
  • Vitamin B 12 Deficiency / etiology