What is it?
A vegetarian diet removes meat, poultry and fish but may include dairy products and eggs. Variations include lacto-vegetarian, ovo-vegetarian and lacto-ovo vegetarian diets.
Foods removed:
Beef, pork, poultry, fish and other animal flesh. The exact foods removed depend on the type of vegetarian diet selected.
Potential health benefits:
A balanced vegetarian diet may be rich in fiber, folate, fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains while being lower in saturated fat.
Who may benefit most?
Families who want a plant-forward approach but prefer to retain eggs, dairy or both as convenient sources of protein and nutrients.
How may it support an autistic child?
It can support overall health when the child accepts enough plant-based foods and appropriate protein sources. It does not treat autism. For a child with a narrow food repertoire, meat should not be removed until reliable alternatives for protein, iron, zinc and vitamin B12 are available.