Dietitian Course: Nutritional Considerations For Pregnant And Lactating Vegan And Vegetarian Mothers

NUTRITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR PREGNANT AND LACTATING VEGAN AND VEGETARIAN MOTHERS

Pregnancy and lactation are critical periods for fetal and infant growth and development. Diet and nutrients not only play an essential role in growth and development of offspringbut also in prevention of obstetric, neonatal and infant health complications. Vegan mothers consume a restricted diet since they do not consume specific foods not just from one but several food groups. This places vegans at risk of developing some nutrient deficiencies that may impact offspring’s health. In fact, research studies have documented high prevalence of such nutrient deficiencies as vitamin B12, iodine, or docosahyxaenoic acid. To a lesser degree, diets of vegetarians are also restricted, though nutrient deficiencies among vegetarians are less likely compared to among vegans. Still, research studies have shown high prevalence of such nutrient deficiencies as vitamin B12 and iron among vegetarians. This lecture is designed to highlight important information regarding nutrients of concern among pregnant and lactating vegan and vegetarian mothers. Emphasize will be placed on ways to avoid nutrient deficiencies in order to prevent adverse health outcomes among women and offspring.

Upon successful completion of this one-hour course, the participant should be able to:

Review findings from available literature regarding the status of key nutrients for vegan and vegetarian pregnant and lactating women.

Summarize documented adverse health outcomes associated with adhering to a vegan and vegetarian diet.

Provide practical recommendations how to optimize food and supplement intake in order to avoid nutrient deficiencies.

Live Event Date: Mar 16, 2021

Expiration Date: Mar 16, 2024

Performance Indicators/Learning Objectives: 4.2.6, 6.2.5, 6.3.8, 8.3.6

Target Audience: RDs, DTRs, Health Professionals

Number of Credits: 1.0

Level(s): 1, 2

Total Cost: $18 ($18.00 per credit)

About the Presenter: Roman Pawlak, Ph.D, RD

Associate Professor of Nutrition at East Carolina University. Authored: 'Vitamin B12. Combating the epidemic of deficiency' (published in English and Polish), 'Vegan/vegetarian mother and her baby' (published in English, Polish and Czech), 'I am the LORD who heals you' (published in English, Russian and Japanese), 'Forever young. Secrets of delaying aging and living disease free' (published in English and Polish), 'Healthy diet without secrets' (published in English and Polish), 'In defense of vegetarianism' (published in English and Polish), 'Diabetes. How to prevent it? How to cure it? How to prevent diabetes complications' (published in Polish), 'Diet – facts and myths' (published in Polish). Published in the best American and international nutrition journals, including, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, European Journal of Nutrition, Nutrition Reviews, American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Lectured in five continents, including North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.