Foods high in iron, calcium and zinc should be emphasized. A wide variety of plant foods should be eaten to assure dietary adequacy. It is essential that infants, children and adolescents meet total energy needs to support growth. Children under the age of two should not be restricted to less than 30 percent of their calories from fat because it is needed for proper growth. Solely breast-fed infants will need iron supplements after the age of 4 to 6 months.
Pregnant women can meet their energy and nutrient needs through vegetarian diets.
Birth weights of babies from vegetarians and non-vegetarian mothers are similar. Strain through a cheesecloth-lined strainer set over a bowl, and squeeze mushrooms to extract as much fragrant liquid as possible. Set soaking liquid aside. Rinse mushrooms several times to remove grit. Transfer soaking liquid to a measuring cup and add water to measure 2 cups.