What is it?
A pescatarian diet is a plant-forward eating pattern that includes fish and seafood but excludes meat and poultry. Some pescatarians also eat eggs and dairy products.
Foods removed:
Beef, pork, lamb, chicken, turkey and other land-animal meats.
Potential health benefits:
Fish can provide protein, vitamin B12, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids. A well-planned pescatarian pattern can also contain plenty of vegetables, fruit, beans, whole grains, nuts and seeds.
Who may benefit most?
Families who want a more plant-forward eating pattern while continuing to include seafood as a source of protein and essential nutrients.
How may it support an autistic child?
It may support general growth, heart health and nutritional variety, but it does not treat autism. For a child with selective eating, new foods should be introduced gradually and without removing accepted proteins before suitable replacements are established.
Important caution:
Children should receive age-appropriate portions and fish from lower-mercury categories.