What About Vegetarians?
There are many types of vegetarian diets, but the two most common are the lacto-ovo, which includes eggs and milk products but not meat, and vegan, which eliminates all forms of animal products. Teens who are lacto-ovo vegetarians can usually get enough nutrients in their diets.

Vegan vegetarians are vulnerable to deficiencies of several nutrients, particularly vitamins D and B-12, calcium, iron, zinc, and perhaps other trace elements. Like all essential nutrients, these vitamins and minerals are required to maintain proper growth.

If it is important to you to be a vegetarian, it is easier to achieve good nutrition with the lacto-ovo form. A dietitian (or your school nurse) can help you plan a vegetarian diet that provides you with the nutrients you need for growth and development during the teen years.

For more information on this topic, visit the following links:

The Vegetarian Resource Group

Vegetarian and Vegan 101