Meghan Markle Wants to Raise Her Son Vegan, but Experts Say It Might be a Bad Idea

Ever since Baby Sussex was born earlier this month, media, royal fans and the internet can’t help but gush over how adorable little Archie is. Before his name and gender was even revealed, thousands of Twitter users were placing bets to guess the newborn’s name and gender.

Baby Archie became the first major member of the British Royal family that has African-American blood.

Archie has attracted more attention than any other birth in royal history and many think that it’s because the baby is a pivotal symbol of unity and the merging of two different cultures, colors and races. Archie made history as the first bi-racial monarch to represents diversity and modernity in the British monarchy.

As Baby Sussex gains more attention from the international community, the public couldn’t help but express concern over his health. Will he become vegan like his parents? Is it even safe for a baby to have a vegan diet? These experts speak up to address this pressing issue.

The Vegan Diet

According to experts, Archie will get his nutrients from his mother for the first 4-6 months during the feeding phase. But as he starts growing older, he’ll have to transition to solid foods, and since Meghan Markle mainly follows a vegan diet, the experts claim Baby Archie could also consume a plant-based diet — and it’s totally safe!

The experts say Meghan Markle can still nurse her baby while on a vegan diet.

Experts explain that a nursing mom can follow any diet she wants as long as she’s getting all the right nutrients like B2, calcium, iron, protein, vitamin D, and zinc to aid her baby’s growth and development, as well as help with her own recovery after childbirth.

The Warning

However, there are some opponents of this diet including Middleberg Nutrition Eliza Savage, RD, who warns Meghan to watch out for any nutrient deficiencies from a meat-free diet. Since most vegans don’t consume meat in any form, they lack some nutrients like calcium, zinc, and protein, which are essential for the baby’s development.

Savage urges Meghan to eat healthy fats like almonds and avocados since the DHA found in these foods aids in baby’s brain health.

Savage urges the Duchess to consult with healthcare professionals to ensure that she and her baby are receiving adequate nutrients from their diet. She adds they may need to take supplements to get enough nutrients they usually don’t receive from their diet.

The Recommendation

So what about when Baby Archie starts to eat on his own? Is it safe for him to follow a vegan diet? According to Savage, following a vegan diet can be challenging for young kids since they aren’t equipped with enough information to decide what’s good for them. Savage fears Baby Archie might not get adequate nutrients – which are all pivotal for his growth and development.

Aside from that, the baby’s underdeveloped digestive system might have a hard time breaking down a vegan diet since it’s high in fiber.

Instead of sticking to a vegan diet, Savage recommends feeding the baby with healthy, balanced food composed of dairy, dark leafy greens, eggs, fish, fruits, healthy fats, meat, and veggies so that Baby Archie can grow healthy and developed.

The conclusion? It’s best if the Dutchess stuck with the regular diet for her newborn child for now and when Baby Archie’s old enough to choose for himself, he can decide if he wants to be on a vegan diet or not. Everyone has the right to decide whether they want to be vegan, meat-eater, or a pescetarian.