Abstract

BRANDAO, Isa  and  AVILA, Helena. Analysis about the presence in the school canteen of the vegetarian diet. Acta Port Nutr [online]. 2020, n.20, pp.26-31. ISSN 2183-5985.  https://doi.org/10.21011/apn.2020.2005.

Feeding is a fundamental pillar in the health of populations, especially for the population in paediatric age. This period of life is characterized by rapid growth and physical and intellectual development and is particularly vulnerable to nutritional imbalances that may have irreversible consequences for growth and health. The vegetarian diet has been gaining importance in the society. Therefore, it is relevant to reflect on the impact of this diet on the health and education of school-age children and adolescents. In Portugal, along with a meal framed by the principles of the Mediterranean Diet, a vegan option in school canteens became mandatory. In this sense, it seems important to reflect on the possible medium and long term effects of this measure, namely its alleged levelling with the Mediterranean Diet in the context of school feeding.

Keywords : Children; Vegetarian diet; Paediatric nutrition; School canteen; Veganism; Vegetarianism.

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