There was a really horrible op-ed piece on the New York Times Monday titled "Death by Veganism." The author, Nina Planck, is referring to the Atlanta couple who were recently convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison for the death of their 6 week old son due to starvation. If you haven't noticed any of the recent uproar over Planck's opinion piece, you might remember the case from when it was first reported in 2004, at the time of the baby's death.
What happened to that baby is terrible! But it seems to me that his parents acted out of a lack of education and fear--they didn't trust doctors, they weren't only vegan--they adhered to a lifestyle that involved almost a total exclusion from society. They're guilty, but of two counts of murder? I'm not sure. ******Read some more and I think they're nuts! And guilty. Guilty, guilty, guilty!******
At any rate, the facts of the case aren't what have me upset-it's the complete lack of fact and excess of misinformation in Planck's piece. I am not a vegan or even a vegetarian, but I have been and I know many people who are raising their children without the "benefit" of animal products. NONE of these children have been underfed or malnourished. In fact, most of these babies didn't consume anything but their mother's breast milk for many months--some of the plumpest, happiest babies I've known. Breast milk is the most complete form of nutrition for any baby--vegan or not. Infant formula is a distant second, but even still, there are plenty of vegetarian and organic options for parents. Infant formula is one of the most strictly regulated food products around! Doctors recommend both soy and dairy based formulas ALL THE TIME. If a family has decided not to breastfeed, or is unable to breastfeed, the hospital sends the family home with formula. It's true that there are downfalls to soy based formulas--some children can't tolerate soy or develop a severe allergy. It's also true that MANY children must be switched from a dairy based formula to one containing soy because they are lactose intolerant or have developed a severe dairy allergy. Breast milk is ALWAYS the best, first option.
As for the idea that vegan breast milk is somehow inferior--total crap! In fact, I would contend that vegan breast milk is just as healthy or even healthier than "normal" breast milk. Many, many people do not consume the vitamins and minerals they need in the quantities they need. As a society, we consume far more protein, fat and sugar than is necessary and barely meet the RDAs for fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Many people lack regular sources of Omega 3 fatty acids--which are not only available through animal products (flax seed, anyone?). So many people do not get enough folic acid (VEGETABLES!) that the government has started enriching foods with it and dramatically increased the recommended amount for pregnant women. Most vegetarians do NOT suffer from lack of this nutrient. All in all, vegetarian and vegan diets have been shown to be healthy by numerous doctors and health professionals, and have even been approved by the USDA, certainly not an institution renowned for it's forward think.
Bottom line: The Times published an opinion piece full of misinformation and vitriol that does nothing to enhance the issue at hand and that serves only as a platform for the author to spread her apparent hatred and disdain for vegans.
More good reading at The FatFree Vegan Kitchen, The Post Punk Kitchen, and by Dr.McDougall.
