From the Guidelines
An infant fed only animal products would develop several critical nutritional deficiencies, most notably a lack of vitamin C, leading to scurvy, as well as deficiencies in dietary fiber, vitamin E, and folate, which are essential for proper growth and development. These deficiencies could cause serious developmental delays, growth problems, and potentially life-threatening conditions. According to a study published in Pediatrics 1, scurvy can develop in older infants and children given exclusively cow milk without vitamin supplementation, highlighting the importance of a balanced diet that includes sources of vitamin C.
The infant would also lack adequate carbohydrates, the preferred energy source for brain development, and would be at risk of other nutritional deficiencies, including iodine and iron deficiencies, as noted in a study published in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition 1. It is crucial to provide infants with a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes, in addition to animal products, to ensure they receive all the necessary nutrients for proper growth and development. A study published in Advances in Nutrition 1 emphasizes the importance of meeting an infant's nutritional requirements in both quantity and quality, and recommends exclusive breastfeeding as the primary choice for initial feeding, with alternative options available in specific cases.
Key nutritional deficiencies to expect in an infant fed only animal products include:
- Vitamin C deficiency, leading to scurvy
- Dietary fiber deficiency, essential for developing proper gut function and microbiome
- Vitamin E deficiency, potentially causing neurological problems and weakened immune function
- Folate (vitamin B9) deficiency, crucial for cell division and growth during rapid development
- Carbohydrate deficiency, the preferred energy source for brain development
- Potential iodine and iron deficiencies, as noted in 1.
In summary, a diet consisting only of animal products is not sufficient to support the nutritional needs of an infant, and a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods is essential for proper growth and development.
From the Research
Nutritional Deficiencies in Infants Fed Only Animal Products
If an infant is fed only animal products, they would likely develop several nutritional deficiencies. The primary concern is the lack of vitamin C, as animal products are not a natural source of this essential nutrient.
- Vitamin C deficiency: This can lead to scurvy, a disease characterized by fatigue, irritability, and failure to thrive, as well as more severe symptoms like bone pain, limping, and refusal to walk 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Other potential deficiencies: Although not directly addressed in the provided studies, it is likely that an infant fed only animal products would also be at risk for deficiencies in other essential nutrients like fiber, vitamin E, and certain phytochemicals.
Risk Factors and Considerations
It is essential to note that restrictive diets, including those consisting only of animal products, can lead to severe nutritional problems in infants. The provided studies highlight the importance of a balanced diet and proper nutritional history taking to prevent associated micronutrient deficiencies.
- Restricted diets: Infants with restricted diets, including those with autism or other neurodevelopmental disorders, are at a higher risk of developing nutritional deficiencies 3, 4.
- Importance of dietary history: A thorough dietary history is crucial in identifying potential nutritional deficits and avoiding unnecessary invasive diagnostic procedures 6.