To: The American Academy of Pediatrics

Subject: Petition to Revise Guidelines on Vegan Diets for Children and Mandate Close Supervision

The undersigned, concerned individuals and organizations, urge the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to revise its guidelines on vegan diets for children and mandate close supervision for all children following such diets.

We bring to your attention the recent landmark decision by Belgium, which has enacted a law requiring parents who raise their children on vegan diets to ensure careful observation and medical supervision to safeguard their well-being. This decision stems from growing concerns about the potential health risks associated with inadequately planned vegan diets for youngsters.

We believe that the AAP should follow Belgium's lead and take a proactive approach to protecting the health of children on vegan diets. While we acknowledge that vegan diets can be nutritionally adequate for children, they require meticulous planning and regular monitoring to prevent deficiencies in essential nutrients.

We urge the AAP to:

Revise its guidelines on vegan diets for children to emphasize the importance of close supervision by healthcare professionals, including registered dietitians.

Mandate regular check-ups and monitoring of growth parameters for all children on vegan diets to ensure they are thriving on the chosen dietary regimen.

Educate parents about the potential risks and benefits of vegan diets for children, ensuring they make informed decisions about their children's nutritional needs.

We believe that these measures are essential to protect the health and well-being of children on vegan diets. We urge the AAP to take prompt action to implement these recommendations.

Thank you for your consideration.

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