A family requests guidance for raising their 18-month-old on a strict vegan diet. Which plan most appropriately balances risk reduction for micronutrient deficiencies and practical feeding advice?

• A. Advise immediate transition to omnivorous intake because vegan diets are absolutely contraindicated and cannot be planned safely under any circumstances for children under five.
• B. Recommend a vegan diet without fortified foods or supplements because plant-based sources will automatically meet toddlers’ needs if the diet includes plenty of fruits and vegetables without the need for clinical monitoring.
• C. Create a careful plan that includes iron-rich plant foods paired with vitamin C to enhance absorption, fortified plant milk for calcium and vitamin D, B12-fortified foods or a B12 supplement, routine monitoring of growth and labs, and discussion of an age-appropriate multivitamin/mineral supplement with the pediatrician.
• D. Suggest exclusive reliance on juice and cereal to deliver necessary micronutrients since these items are convenient and typically provide adequate daily vitamins for toddlers on any diet.

Answer: (C)