Frequently Asked Questions

Registered Dietitians provide answers to your questions about all types of vegetarian diets, these can be studied on-line or downloaded to use as a reference and share. If you have a question that is not answered below, email us.

tofuIs soy safe?
Will eating tofu increase my risk for breast cancer?

IsoflavonesIsoflavones in Vegetarian Diets (PDF)
The Isoflavones in Vegetarian Diets provides information on the benefits of eating soy for the prevention of breast and prostate cancers, reducing cholesterol, improving bone mineral density and reducing symptoms of menopause.

Vitamin B12Does a total vegetarian get enough Vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 in Vegetarian DietsB12 in Vegetarian Diets (PDF)
B12 in Vegetarian Diets provides information for total vegetarians on plant sources of Vitamin B12.

pregnancyI’m pregnant and I am vegan/vegetarian, will my baby be healthy?

Vegetarian Diets in PregnancyVegetarian Diets in Pregnancy (PDF)
Vegetarian Diets in Pregnancy guides expecting moms with nutrition tools to make the best food choices during pregnancy.

healthy kidsCan I raise healthy vegan/vegetarian children?

All types of vegetarian diets are healthy for the life span, including infants through teenagers. Below are resources covering each level of development.

Vegetarian Diets During Lactation Vegetarian Diets During Lactation (PDF)
Vegetarian Diets During Lactation provides all types of vegetarians information on how to select the healthiest foods while lactating.
Vegetarian Nutrition for Toddlers & Preschoolers Vegetarian Nutrition for Toddlers & Preschoolers (PDF)
Vegetarian Nutrition for Toddlers and Preschoolers provides information for parents and childcare providers who are planning vegetarian meals for toddlers and preschoolers.
Vegetarian Nutrition for School-Aged Children Vegetarian Nutrition for School-Aged Children (PDF)
Vegetarian Nutrition for School-Aged Children provides information for parents, and school food service workers, on how to plan nutritious vegetarian meals for school-aged children.

vegetarian teenMy teenage daughter/son wants to be vegetarian
—what do I do?
How can I tell my Mom I want to quit eating animals?

Vegetarian TeensVegetarian Teens (PDF)
Vegetarian Teens will guide teenagers choosing to eat meatless (and assist their families) on how to choose healthy foods that insure their diet is supplying them with the nutrition they need to continue growing well.

calciumWill I get enough Calcium on a 100% plant-based diet?

Meeting Calcium Recommendations on a Vegan DietMeeting Calcium Recommendations on a Vegan Diet (PDF)
Meeting Calcium Recommendations on a Vegan Diet provides vegans, vegetarians, and others nutrition information to find non-dairy food sources for calcium.

sports nutritionCan a vegetarian win at competitive sports?
How does a vegan eat to run a marathon?

Sports Nutrition for VegetariansSports Nutrition for Vegetarians (PDF)
Sports Nutrition for Vegetarians shares how eating a plant-based diet provides adequate nutrition for full-time and weekend athletes.

kidney diseaseWhat vegetarian foods can I eat on a reduced protein, low sodium diet for kidney disease?
Can I eat vegan/vegetarian while on dialysis?

Vegetarian Diets in Chronic Kidney DiseaseVegetarian Diets in Chronic Kidney Disease (PDF)
Vegetarian Diets in Chronic Kidney Disease provides information on planning all types of vegetarian diets during the various stages of kidney disease.

zincCan a vegetarian provide minerals like zinc?

ZincZinc in Vegetarian Diets (PDF)
The Zinc in Vegetarian Diets provides the nutrition tools to assist all types of vegetarians select foods with adequate zinc.