5 Reasons Why A Paleo Diet May Not Be Good For Kids

Paleo has become one of the most popular diets available today, with thousands of people reporting a variety of health benefits, particularly weight loss. There are also others who claim that a paleo diet can work well for children. However, some parents disagree with the idea, saying that it can lead to more harm than good. Here are five reasons why paleo may not be good for young children.

1. Children need to experience different kinds of food. At their young age, children should experience various tastes, ingredients, textures and types of food. Aside from being able to enjoy different recipes and flavors, children will also get a lot more nutrients from a combination of food. A restrictive diet can actually be counterproductive to a child’s development.

2. Children do not get full nutrients from paleo. Eating an all-meat diet with minimal carbohydrates can lead to vitamin and mineral deficiency among children. Many adults who go on a paleo diet tend to take supplements to ensure that they get their recommended daily nutritional intake. Children can only tolerate so many supplements so they can actually be lacking in vitamins and minerals by consuming a restrictive diet.

3. Children generally do not need to lose weight. Unless a child is obese, there should be no reason for parents to put them on a restrictive diet with the objective of helping them shed the extra pounds. Children’s bodies tend to store more fat which provides them with energy for study and play as well as enhances their immune system. Children should only worry about their weight later on in life.

4. They do not get to consume dairy products. Calcium is very important especially among young children for growth and bone development. A paleo diet prohibits consumers from milk, yogurt, butter and cheese, based on a report by Katheats.com. Children should not compromise their health and growth by avoiding excellent sources of calcium. Milk should be a staple in every kid’s diet.

5. Minimal scientific support. Although there have been studies regarding paleo diets, there are only a few scientific studies that claim its real benefits, especially among children. There is not a lot of conclusive evidence that can prove that paleo can be healthy for children for the long term, so parents should be cautious about giving it to their kids.

A paleo diet may suit adults better. Children should be allowed to enjoy and explore different kinds of food.

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