It's very surprising that in the story on the Today show no mention was made of consuming beans and legumes for protein consumption with both adults and kids. Kids (and adults) do not need to just consume fish for protein consumption.

I was also disappointed by the implication that fish or another animal protein source is necessary for growth, when beans, tofu, seitan, and legumes are fantastic sources! I was particularly disappointed at the misinformed recommendation to include dairy products. While the example of broccoli vs. milk was given, there are several other vegetable-based food sources that provide excellent sources of calcium! Tofu, fortified soy or rice milk, blackstrap molasses, and sesame seeds are all viable calcium sources, for instance. Finally, it's worth mentioning that most MDs get precious little training in nutrition during medical school (on the order of a couple of days, in the cases of some very prestigious institutions). A well-informed nutritionist can help with any dietary questions, and a varied vegan diet can supply all the nutrients a growing kid (or full-grown adult) needs to be healthy!

I saw your segment on pescatarianism on the Today show. I've raised my daughter as one since she was born. She is now 12, & is a very healthy, active, and happy young lady. She is a stellar athlete - rides horses, plays basketball, softball, swims, & more. She's good in her studies and schoolwork as well. Parents should know that there are so many healthy products available now to make such a decision by their child a worry-free scenario. My daughter's diet includes eggs, cereal and fruit, for lunches I make tofurky and cheese quesadillas, or a mini quiche, balanced by a serving of sliced apples or grapes, some sort of sweet - a brownie or several cookies, and a healthy drink. She eats peanut butter and jelly less frequently. For dinner there's fettuccine Alfredo w/ chicken less chicken nuggets and broccoli, or baked & breaded cod w/ a veg & brown rice. I was also a teen who became a vegetarian at age 16. I raised my daughter w/ freedom to choose. My wife is not a vegetarian, but we've only pushed healthy choices

My daughter declared herself a vegetarian at the age of 6 and now 5 years later at age 11 has not wavered. I am now a pescetarian as is my 9 year old. We have lived this every day for the past 5 years and although it takes some planning and concentration, it has actual been an easy and economical transition. I created a health bar called the PureBar (www.thepurebar.com) to help us get the protein, omega 3 fats and healthy antioxidants we all need in our diet. We also eat a lot of Medetirranean foods like hummus, lentils and rice, chickpea stews and vegetarian kibbe. I do make sure both of my girls get plenty of calcium through leafy greens, organic raw cheeses, and yogurt. Buying a juicer was a great investment as you can "hide" those dark greens in juices (kale-apple-lemon is a favorite). There are many easy ways to raise vegetarian children. It is so rewarding to see that my kids don't even crave refined sugars, or greasy foods because of how they were raised to eat. (www.thepurebar.com/veronicasblog)

Yes! I am a Vegan aka " dairy-avoiding folk" and I do very much disagree! There are plenty of other non-dairy calcium sources for Vegan Kids, that don't involve eating buckets of broccoli! here are just a few of the highest calcium rich foods: Almonds, figs, calcium fortified orange juice, calcium fortified tofu, navy beans, soy beans, black beans, chinese cabbage, rhubarb, mustard greens and the list goes on and on. Sure, not all kids are going to gobble up a mere 1/2 cup of chinese cabbage ( 100 mg. more calcium than a 1/2 cup of milk) but there plenty of other choices for them. Please do better research before doing these segments. Anyone who reads this, check out :)
chooseveg.com and this web sight
http://www.vrg.org/nutshell/kids.htm
Vegan Peace, Shelly Smithberger, Granville ohio

It's not only the "dairy-avoiding" folks who disagree with your assertion that children need dairy to be healthy. The American Dietary Association does as well. They support vegan diets as being a healthy choice through all stages of life, including childhood. I think it was incredibly irresponsible to go on national television and claim that you "have to" include dairy in your child's diet, especially considering some of the links that have been made between dairy and juvenile diabetes, autism, and other serious conditions. Even if you are not convinced of those associations, it should at least be enough to make you tolerant of someone's choice to exclude dairy from their child's diet. Also, vegetarians eat much more interesting food than peanut butter sandwiches! My friend's (healthy, athletic, vegan) 7-year old requested vegetable sushi for his first day of school lunch. That was really a negative portrayal of vegetarian food.

I agree that most MDs get very little info on nutrition. My partner is a 2nd year med student at the institution where Dr. Fernstrom is employed and he got one half day of lecture on nutrition and diet. That was it!

Again, the conception (and the point you made) is that eating vegetables, fruits, nuts and grains is abnormal while eating animal products is normal/better. The majority of the world diet consists of plants with animal products being served more as condiments or, on special occasions, as feast foods. Ever wonder why the U.S (and other meat/dairy consuming countries) lead the race into death from heart disease, diabetes, obesity and numerous other diseases like leukemia, prostrate cancer, breast cancer? GIGO...applies to food as well as to computers. Check out www.drmcdougall.com

I too find it very irresponsible for the Today Show to promote a heavy diet of dairy. Previous posters have made well researched points about the ability to be healthy without consuming animal products. I am a senior female who is just short of being vegan--I consume a minor amount of dairy products. Being post-menopausal, I am concerned about my calcium intake, but I have found many sources, including supplements, which do not require me to consume dairy or any other animal products.

Coupled with letting the food industry dictate what goes into our food supply, it seems to me, we have become less healthy because of all the animal products consumed, not the other way around.

Unfortunately, we eat the way we do because of cultural indoctrination which leads to flavor addictions. I find I am healthier today because of my vegetarian diet, which I adopted after I let my health be dictated by good sense instead of the meat and dairy industries.

While I do not argue someone's choice for eating meat or not eating meat, I do argue the reasons that some pick to follow a fad. A healthly and balanced lifestyle may be achieved through vegetarian variety diets as well as diets that include meat and dairy but to label the meat eaters as un-ethical is simply not fair and honestly not correct. I am in the beef industry yet I do not begrudge others for making the choice to not consume what I produce but when they start "throwing rocks" where I live and work, I draw the line. Raising, selling, and consuming beef is not unhealthy nor is it unethical. I will be the first to admit that there is that SMALL percentage of those who do give the majority a bad name but if groups would focus on that instead of trying to ruin an entire industry, a positive change may be allowed to take place. Milk comes from cows so if you choose to not eat meat for ethical reasons, than you cannot have our milk, cheese, and other dairy products. Learn facts, not fads and be a parent.

This segment didn't do a very good job of explaining what growing children get from protein sources such as beef. It's not just protein but also nutrient like zinc, iron, vitamin B 6 and vitamin 12.

Also, I was disappointed with the incorrect assumption that farm animals are raised in "horrible" living conditions. The video aired in the background of this segment, particularly of the pigs being beaten, are horrible examples of animal abuse. These videos appall the vast majority livestock producers who take good care of their animals, not just because it is the right thing to do but also because their livlihood depends on it.

No one food type or group provides all of the nutrients that the body needs. A balanced diet with variety and
moderation should be recommended. All foods can be a part of a healthy diet along with exercise, fresh air & sunlight.
A zinc deficiency during the developement years of a child adversely affects cognitive behavior, attention span, short-term memory and problem-solving abilities. Lean BEEF is one of the best sources of zinc in our diet. Wheat bran, milk and nuts are other good sources. But when you factor in lactose intolerance and nut allergies, it makes lean BEEF a better option for more young people.
And, believe it or not, our body does need some FAT. Fat is a great source of energy. Humans needs a moderate amount to help transport some vitamins,
protect our vital body organs and it helps to keep our hair and skin healthy.
Over-indulgence is more of a problem than any one food group.
We in the beef industry also eat a variety of foods for a healthy, well balanced & varied diet.

Soy milk has just as much calcium as some cow's milk.

You don't need four cups of broccoli to get that.

And was this segment paid for by fishers or what?

Oh Wow!- our children are making decisions based on whose information? Who is filling our childrens heads with the idea that the meat industry is cruel, unsafe, not good for your health or environment or immoral..did anyone ask that question? does a child 7 or 8 years of age have the full knowledge or the experiences of life to make a sound decision where his or her health is concerned. Children are smart but they do not know when their minds are being manipulated. My family ranches and derives its livelyhood from the raising of cattle, sheep and goats. We not only care for our animals because they are our meal ticket, but also because we have appreciation for them. They are at home on the range as the song goes, they are healthy AND they are environmentally friendly. Which historical figure said that "our freedoms are lost when we allow others to make decision for us". Who are you allowing to infiltrate your childs mind? Who is manipulating our childrens minds. Not the food industry - someone with another agenda

Everyone has an agenda these days with what to eat and what not to and what's ruining our planet. What everyone should remember is that physical activity with a balanced diet that consists of ALL food groups eaten in moderation is key. As far as letting a 6 year old decide to exclude a staple item from their diet is very irresponsible and is a disservice to their growth and development. And finally you all should thank a farmer and rancher for all that you wear, use, eat and medicate with in addition to being the best stewards of the land and the true environmentalists of this beautiful green earth.

As a registered dietitian and meat-eating mother of a lacto-vegetarian daughter (with friends/family in ranching and farming), I found this story biased and unfortunate. I am deeply respectful of personal eating decisions, but very aware that many US children, esp. young girls, are increasingly undernourished and overweight. Research show that many do not meet needs for key nutrients, incl. iron, zinc, and calcium, all vital for normal growth and development. It’s important for children to eat nutrient-rich foods to keep them energized and attentive throughout the day. Lean beef is a naturally rich source of several nutrients, incl. iron, zinc and vitamin B-12, which play critical roles in cognitive development and functioning. Low-fat dairy foods provide much needed calcium, potassium, and other key nutrients. While it is possible to grow up healthy on a wide variety of eating styles, there is no need to disparage America’s farmers and ranchers. The vast majority are careful stewards of their land and animals.

Reading the comments posted here by those in the meat and dairy industries brought to mind the words of Upton Sinclair, "It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends upon his not understanding it."

Advising people, especially young children, to take pills in place of healthy food is dangerous. The vitamin and supplement industry is not regulated. You have no idea what long term damage may be done. I do know that my husbands parents who were raised and lived on dairies, chicken farms and cattle ranches their entire lives have consumed milk, eggs, beef, lamb, pork, chicken, not much fish and no vitamin pills their entire lives are at 85 and 83 still active and as my father in law says "disgustingly healthy." They have always been trim and active. Do you know people that age who popped vitamin pills in lieu of meat from age 7 or even 17? Eating meat does not cause obesity, overeating does. Furthermore, the cattle raised by my in laws and many ranchers are free roaming. They exist outside, in the sun, the heat, in the wind, as well as in frigid, cold temperatures.

Upton Sinclair did not understand farming and ranching. Yes it is our livelyhood, however, if one did not get more from this line of work than financial security, he would never do it. We live modestly compared to most of our city friends. We endure long hours, physical endurance, no matter the weather you are outside, you witness death, new life, stuggles, hardship, love...all from an animals perspective as well as your own. My children were better prepared for life than their city friends. They are of strong mind and soul. The life we live is not a livelihood,it is our soul.It is who we are;what we are. I am not sure why someone off the ranch or farm thinks they understand the animal voice better than the man who is right there with them. I have birthed animals, watched them die, stuggled with them to bring back their quality of life, watched their families grow, and last but not least, fed the world while we live our lives to the fullest. Pay is below min. wage if I were paid by the hr-less than $2Want a job?

I disagree with you on several points:

1. You do not need to worry about your protein intake. There is protein in everything we eat and, in fact, meat-eaters get too much protein in their diets.

2. You do not need dairy to get your calcium. Many vegan products like soya milk have calcium added and some even contain twice the amount of calcium as a glass of full fat milk!

3. Vegetarians do not eat fish. Fish are not vegetables and they feel pain just like any other animal. Pescetarians do eat fish, there is no such thing as a "fish-eating vegetarian".

4. If you're eating a balanced and varied vegan/vegetarian diet then you won't need supplements. Many of the vitamin/minerals you mentioned can easily be obtained from fortified foods such as breakfast cereal.

I think evryone should at least be vegetarian or vegan because it is good for the environment and try to live a cruelty free lifestyle,

A lot of children don't want to eat meat because maybe they thought about the life involved.
Raising animals on a ranch is much more enviornmentally sound compared to factory farming which is the real deal here.
I'm 15 and I wouldn't eat my cat so I wouldn't eat anything else that had a chance to live.

You cannot eat anything that has a nervous system and call yourself a vegetarian. Also, Soy has calcium and protien, exactly the same kind of protien that is found in animal flesh. Dairy is full of fat and colestoral, and pus, which is a byproduct of the way the dairys get milk from the cows. Vegetarian is not something you can tailor to fit your own needs. It is just something you need to do as it is. Also, most fish that you get at the grocery store are factory farmed and are not caught in the wild. This factory farming process wrecks havoc on the environment. I have been vegan for five days now and I feel great. If you want more information go to goveg.com.

As a former President of the American Dietetic Association I was a bit surprised to read DR.Fernstrom's article giving a negative view toward foods like dairy,beef and other meat sources which are foods that are nutrient dense.Most dietitians believe that foods that are low in calories and high in nutrients should be the foundation of a healthy diet. Lean beef fits that criteria as it is a rich source of high quality protein,iron and zinc.Foods that are a good source of protein have a high satiey plus provide the energy and balance needed to help people follow the Dietary Guidlines for Americans.We have told consumers to decrease their fats and limit certain carbohydrates. Lets not have consumers decrease their intake of high quality protein found in foods that are the the foundation of My Pyramid.I am a supporter of individuals selecting their own eating patterns and the value of fish in the diet. I am opposed to negative views of foods that provide needed nutrients for growth and good health

As a registered dietitian and dairy nutrition expert, I was glad to see that Dr. Fernstrom pointed out the important role dairy plays in the diet of children. Dairy products provide so much more than just calcium – they provide 8 other essential nutrients including protein, potassium, vitamin D and vitamin B12. In fact, dairy foods provide three out of the five “nutrients of concern” for which children have low intakes according to the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (calcium, potassium and magnesium). This segment is all about respecting kid’s preferences and as I’m sure many other parents will attest, milk, cheese and yogurt are some of the most kid-friendly and convenient foods on the store shelf. MyPyramid for Kids is a great resource to help kids meet their nutrient needs: http://teamnutrition.usda.gov/kids-pyramid.html .
Melissa Joy Dobbins MS, RD, CDE, National Dairy Council

I've eaten all of the food groups my entire life. My grandmother was 101 when she passed away, she was raised on a dairy and also cutivated her own veggies and fruits. My point being that one should get use all resources available to insure a complete and balanced diet.

As person who has lived on a ranch or farm all of my life, I find it very sad that the American people cannot eat beef, lamb, or pork. As an important part of a human animals diet, meat is very valuable as part of our diet. To leave this out just makes it more complicated to receive the proper nurtrition required by our bodies. If you use good judgement and appropriate serving sizes meat does not need to be left out of our diet. Our children need to understand where their food comes from and that most of the animals on American farms and ranches are cared for by people who depend on them for their livelihood. If you abuse your livestock they will not produce and you go broke. It's a fact of life. Watching the extreme examples on TV are not how it is in real life. My animals are fed, vaccinated, and protected all of their lives but this does not mean they are pets. They were raised to provide food for our country. They are not my cats and dogs they are my livestock, read the Bible and learn their true purpose.

I am 64 years old and have been a PURE VEGETARIAN i.e. no meat/fish/chicken/eggs from my birth.My whole family is of the same type.we don't even drink or smoke.We are quite happy living like this and have no major problems.we all are quite quite healthy and alert busy in our daily chores.We have never ever felt the need or the craze to eat non-veg food.Our religion is JAIN WHICH STRONGLY BELIEVES IN "LIVE
AND LET LIVE" Why should one kill an animal to satiate our hunger. Almighty God has created a lot of vegetables/fruits/cereals and so on.
On getting just a small cut a person winces with pain but never thinks of the pain experienced by an animal while being slaughtered for his variety of dishes.
We all are living happily and merrily.How do you find this real life story. would you like to change to this life style for a change and feel the difference personally?
SATISH A. SHAH
MUMBAI,INDIA.