Recognition, prevention and management of 'digital harm'.

The digital world continues to evolve and is apparent in all aspects of daily life. For children and young people, their online life is as real to them as their in-person life. Health professionals urgently need to update their knowledge and awareness of the positive and negative impacts of the myriad of online content and how this is viewed and used by children and young people. Digital harm can contribute to multiple clinical presentations and paediatricians must ask about online life in consultations and be able to provide holistic digital safety advice, while recognising serious digital harm requiring safeguarding input.This article will introduce the main areas of harm and how to include assessment in routine clinical practice. It will equip paediatricians to offer advice and safeguard children and young people and offer resources and links to further learning.

Reiki intervention for supporting healthcare professional care behaviors in pediatric palliative care: A pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: Pediatric healthcare professionals (HCPs) working in a palliative setting may experience challenges during their clinical practice in addressing the complex end-of-life phase of children and their families. Nurses, especially, have a frontline role in providing assistance, thereby becoming at risk of physical and psychological burden. Pediatric psychologists have an ethical responsibility to help colleagues by proposing self-care interventions that will improve their well-being and, indirectly, the work climate. This study investigated the impact of a complementary therapy, delivered by a pediatric psychologist and a nurse, on physical and psychological variables among nurses at the Paediatric Hospice of the Regina Margherita Children's Hospital in Italy. METHODS: Thirty-five nurses participated in 5 weeks of Reiki sessions for an overall total of 175 sessions. The effect of the sessions was analyzed through a paired t-test analysis comparing the values of heart rate, oxygen saturation, and systolic and diastolic pressure collected before and after each session. The same test was conducted comparing the values of the 3 burnout subscales for each of the 35 nurses collected before the beginning of the first session with those collected at the end of the last session 2 months later. RESULTS: Results underlined a positive short-term effect with a significant decrease in heart rate before and after each session (t = 11.5, p < .001) and in systolic pressure (t = 2, p < .05). In addition, a decrease in emotional exhaustion symptoms was found (t = 2.3, p < .05) at the end of the intervention. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: Reiki could be a valid strategy to complement traditional pediatric psychology clinical practice designed to protect HCPs from emotional and physical demands and to create a more supportive workplace for staff and patients alike.

Complementary Feeding and Iron Status: "The Unbearable Lightness of Being" Infants.

The complementary feeding (CF) period that takes place between 6 and 24 months of age is of key importance for nutritional and developmental reasons during the transition from exclusively feeding on milk to family meals. In 2021, a multidisciplinary panel of experts from four Italian scientific pediatric societies elaborated a consensus document on CF, focusing in particular on healthy term infants. The aim was to provide healthcare providers with useful guidelines for clinical practice. Complementary feeding is also the time window when iron deficiency (ID) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) are most prevalent. Thus, it is appropriate to address the problem of iron deficiency through nutritional interventions. Adequate iron intake during the first two years is critical since rapid growth in that period increases iron requirements per kilogram more than at any other developmental stage. Complementary foods should be introduced at around six months of age, taking into account infant iron status.

Feasibility and Acceptability of a Reiki Intervention With Very Young Children Receiving Palliative Care.

BACKGROUND: Very little research has been reported examining nonpharmacological symptom management strategies for very young, hospitalized children receiving palliative care, and none has involved Reiki-a light touch therapy. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine if completing a Reiki intervention with hospitalized 1- to 5-year-old children with chronic, life-limiting conditions receiving palliative care was feasible and acceptable. METHODS: Children ages 1-5 years receiving palliative care who were expected to be hospitalized for at least 3 weeks were recruited for a single-arm, mixed-methods, quasi-experimental pre- and poststudy. Six protocolized Reiki sessions were conducted over 3 weeks. We calculated feasibility by the percentage of families enrolled in the study and acceptability by the percentage of families who completed all measures and five out of six Reiki sessions. Measures were collected at baseline, at the end of the intervention period, and 3 weeks later. At the final follow-up visit, parents were verbally asked questions relating to the acceptability of the intervention in a short structured interview. RESULTS: We screened 90 families, approached 31 families, and recruited 16 families, whereas 15 families declined. Reasons for not participating included that the child had "a lot going on," would be discharged soon, and families were overwhelmed. Of those enrolled, most completed all measures at three time points and five out of six Reiki sessions. We completed nearly all scheduled Reiki sessions for families that finished the study. All parents reported that they would continue the Reiki if they could, and almost all said they would participate in the study again; only one parent was unsure. DISCUSSION: Young children and their parents found Reiki acceptable; these results are comparable to an earlier study of children 7-16 years of age receiving palliative care at home and a study of massage for symptom management for hospitalized children with cancer. These findings add to the literature and support further investigation of Reiki's efficacy as a nonpharmacological symptom management intervention.

Pediatric Residency Training for Integration of Behavior Health: Indian Perspective.

Behaviour disorders are common in children. Various studies in children and Adolescents in India have found that 6% to 30% of study participants had one or other behaviour This calls for emphasis on integration of behavioral health (IBH) in the training programs for medical undergraduates and postgraduates in paediatrics. This article examines the current medical training programs for IBH of children and adolescents in curriculum of these programs in India. Pediatrics residency programs are described. The impact of Indian culture on IBH issues is also discussed. Ideas for integrating behavioral health in Medical education in India are given.

Current Systems-Level Evidence on Nutrition Interventions to Prevent and Treat Cardiometabolic Risk in the Pediatric Population: An Evidence Analysis Center Scoping Review.

Improving and maintaining cardiometabolic health remains a major focus of health efforts for the pediatric population. Recent research contributes understanding of the systems-level nutrition factors influencing cardiometabolic health in pediatric individuals. This scoping review examines current evidence on interventions and exposures influencing pediatric cardiometabolic health to inform registered dietitian nutritionists working at each systems level, ranging from individual counseling to public policy. A literature search of MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane Databases of Systematic Reviews, and other databases was conducted to identify evidence-based practice guidelines, systematic reviews, and position statements published in English from January 2017 until April 2020. Included studies addressed nutrition interventions or longitudinal exposures for participants 2 to 17 years of age who were healthy or had cardiometabolic risk factors. Studies were categorized according level of the social-ecological framework addressed. The databases and hand searches identified 2614 individual articles, and 169 articles were included in this scoping review, including 6 evidence-based practice guidelines, 141 systematic reviews, and 22 organization position statements. The highest density of systematic reviews focused on the effects of dietary intake (n = 58) and interventions with an individual child or family through counseling or education (n = 54). The least frequently examined levels of interventions or exposures were at the policy level (n = 12). Registered dietitian nutritionists can leverage this considerable body of recent systematic reviews to inform a systems-level, collaborative approach to prevention and treatment of pediatric cardiometabolic risk factors.

Adaptación a la realidad de Latinoamérica de la Guía Clínica NASPGHAN/ESPGHAN 2016 sobre Diagnóstico, Prevención y Tratamiento de Infección por Helicobacter pylori en Pediatría / Adaptation to the reality of Latin America of the NASPGHAN/ESPGHAN 2016 Guidelines on the Diagnosis, Prevention and Treatment of Helicobacter pylori Infection in Pediatrics

Resumen: Introducción: Las últimas guías clínicas conjuntas de NASPGHAN y ESPGHAN en relación a la infección por H. pylori publicadas el año 2016, contienen 20 afirmaciones que han sido cuestionadas en la práctica respecto a su aplicabilidad en Latinoamérica (LA); en particular en relación a la preven ción del cáncer gástrico. Métodos: Se realizó un análisis crítico de la literatura, con especial énfasis en datos de LA y se estableció el nivel de evidencia y nivel de recomendación de las afirmaciones mas controversiales de las Guías Conjuntas. Se realizaron 2 rondas de votación de acuerdo a la técnica Delfi de consenso y se utilizó escala de Likert (de 0 a 4) para establecer el "grado de acuerdo" entre un grupo de expertos de SLAGHNP. Resultados: Existen pocos estudios en relación a diagnóstico, efectividad de tratamiento y susceptibilidad a antibióticos de H. pylori en pacientes pediátricos de LA. En base a estos estudios, extrapolaciones de estudios de adultos y la experiencia clínica del panel de expertos participantes, se realizan las siguientes recomendaciones. Recomendamos la toma de biopsias para test rápido de ureasa e histología (y muestras para cultivo o técnicas moleculares, cuando estén disponibles) durante la endoscopia digestiva alta sólo si en caso de confirmar la infección por H. pylori, se indicará tratamiento de erradicación. Recomendamos que centros regionales seleccio nados realicen estudios de sensibilidad/resistencia antimicrobiana para H. pylori y así actúen como centros de referencia para toda LA. En caso de falla de erradicación de H. pylori con tratamiento de primera línea, recomendamos tratamiento empírico con terapia cuádruple con inhibidor de bomba de protones, amoxicilina, metronidazol y bismuto por 14 días. En caso de falla de erradicación con el esquema de segunda línea, se recomienda indicar un tratamiento individualizado considerando la edad del paciente, el esquema indicado previamente y la sensibilidad antibiótica de la cepa, lo que implica realizar una nueva endoscopía con extracción de muestra para cultivo y antibiograma o es tudio molecular de resistencia. En niños sintomáticos referidos a endoscopía que tengan antecedente de familiar de primer o segundo grado con cáncer gástrico, se recomienda considerar la búsqueda de H. pylori mediante técnica directa durante la endoscopia (y erradicarlo cuando es detectado). Con clusiones: La evidencia apoya mayoritariamente los conceptos generales de las Guías NASPGHAN/ ESPGHAN 2016, pero es necesario adaptarlas a la realidad de LA, con énfasis en el desarrollo de centros regionales para el estudio de sensibilidad a antibióticos y mejorar la correcta selección del tratamiento de erradicación. En niños sintomáticos con antecedente familiar de primer o segundo grado de cáncer gástrico, se debe considerar la búsqueda y erradicación de H. pylori.

Abstract: Introduction: The latest joint H. pylori NASPGHAN and ESPGHAN clinical guidelines published in 2016, contain 20 statements that have been questioned in practice regarding their applicability in Latin America (LA); in particular in relation to gastric cancer prevention. Methods: We conduc ted a critical analysis of the literature, with special emphasis on LA data and established the level of evidence and level of recommendation of the most controversial claims in the Joint Guidelines. Two rounds of voting were conducted according to the Delphi consensus technique and a Likert scale (from 0 to 4) was used to establish the "degree of agreement" among a panel of SLAGHNP ex perts. Results: There are few studies regarding diagnosis, treatment effectiveness and susceptibility to antibiotics of H. pylori in pediatric patients of LA. Based on these studies, extrapolations from adult studies, and the clinical experience of the participating expert panel, the following recom mendations are made. We recommend taking biopsies for rapid urease and histology testing (and samples for culture or molecular techniques, when available) during upper endoscopy only if in case of confirmed H. pylori infection, eradication treatment will be indicated. We recommend that selected regional centers conduct antimicrobial sensitivity/resistance studies for H. pylori and thus act as reference centers for all LA. In case of failure to eradicate H. pylori with first-line treatment, we recommend empirical treatment with quadruple therapy with proton pump inhibitor, amoxi cillin, metronidazole, and bismuth for 14 days. In case of eradication failure with the second line scheme, it is recommended to indicate an individualized treatment considering the age of the pa tient, the previously indicated scheme and the antibiotic sensitivity of the strain, which implies performing a new endoscopy with sample extraction for culture and antibiogram or molecular resistance study. In symptomatic children referred to endoscopy who have a history of first or se cond degree family members with gastric cancer, it is recommended to consider the search for H. pylori by direct technique during endoscopy (and eradicate it when detected). Conclusions: The evidence supports most of the general concepts of the NASPGHAN/ESPGHAN 2016 Guidelines, but it is necessary to adapt them to the reality of LA, with emphasis on the development of regional centers for the study of antibiotic sensitivity and to improve the correct selection of the eradication treatment. In symptomatic children with a family history of first or second degree gastric cancer, the search for and eradication of H. pylori should be considered.

The efficacy and safety of Chinese herbal compound in pediatric patients with allergic rhinitis: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: We design this study to assess the efficacy and safety of Chinese herbal compound for allergic rhinitis in children. METHODS: PubMed, EMbase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WanFang, the Chongqing VIP Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database, and China biomedical literature database (CBM) will be searched from the establishment of each database to July 2020. Randomized controlled trials of Chinese herbal compound for the treatment of allergic rhinitis in children will be included. Two researchers will screen the literature, extract data, and assess the risk of bias independently. Statistical analysis will be performed in RevMan 5.3. RESULTS: This study will summarize high quality evidence of randomized controlled trials on exploring the efficacy and safety of Chinese herbal compound for allergic rhinitis in children. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of study will provide scientific evidence of the efficacy and safety of Chinese herbal compound for allergic rhinitis in children for clinician and further studies. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The private information from individuals will not be published. This systematic review also will not involve endangering participant rights. Ethical approval is not required. The results may be published in a peer-reviewed journal or disseminated in relevant conferences. OSF REGISTRATION NUMBER: DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/Q5TRZ.

The effect of traditional healer intervention prior to allopathic care on pediatric burn mortality in Malawi.

INTRODUCTION: Burn injury is a significant contributor to mortality, especially in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Patients in many communities throughout sub-Saharan Africa use traditional health practitioners for burn care prior to seeking evaluation at an allopathic burn center. The World Health Organization defines a traditional health practitioner as "a person who is recognized by the community where he or she lives as someone competent to provide health care by using plant, animal and mineral substances and other methods based on social, cultural and religious practices based on indigenous knowledge and belief system." The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of prior traditional health practitioner treatment and assess its effect on burn injury mortality. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the prospectively collected Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH) Burn Surveillance Registry was performed from January 2009 through July 2017. Pediatric patients (<13 years) who were injured with flame or scald burns were included in the study and we compared groups based on patient or family reported use of traditional health practitioners prior to evaluation at Kamuzu Central Hospital. We used propensity score weighted multivariate logistic regression to identify the association with mortality after visiting a traditional healer prior to hospitalization. RESULTS: 1689 patients were included in the study with a mean age of 3.3 years (SD 2.7) and 55.9% were male. Mean percent total body surface area of burn was 16.4% (SD 12.5%) and most burns were related to scald injuries (72.4%). 184 patients (10.9%) used traditional medicine prior to presentation. Only a delay in presentation was associated with prior traditional health practitioner use. After propensity weighted score matching, the odds ratio of mortality after using a prior traditional health practitioner was 1.91 (95% CI 1.09, 3.33). CONCLUSION: The use of traditional health practitioners prior to presentation at a tertiary burn center is associated with an increased odds of mortality after burn injury. These effects may be independent of the potential harms associated with a delay in definitive care. Further work is needed to delineate strategies for integrating with local customs and building improved networks for burn care, especially in rural areas.

Improving Asthma Conditions for Children and Adolescents by Expanding the Statewide Learning Collaborative Model Through Health Homes.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Asthma is one of the most common diseases among children in the United States. Increasing provider adherence to national asthma guidelines and connecting patients to Health Homes can increase optimal asthma care. The objectives of this article are to report the results of an asthma learning collaborative and explore the role of Health Homes in contributing to its success. METHODS: Quantitative and qualitative data were collected regarding the experiences of 14 pediatric primary care practices and 6 Health Homes participating in a 9-month learning collaborative. RESULTS: Practices exceeded process aims of 80% compliance with optimal asthma care and the use of an Asthma Action Plan among patients aged 2 to 21 years. Health Home care coordinators also reported improvements in self-management strategies for asthma conditions, including the presence of an Asthma Action Plan, medications, spacers, and proper spacing techniques. Providers and Health Home care coordinators identified role clarity, mitigation of environmental triggers, and management of asthma conditions as benefits of the experience. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this asthma learning collaborative increased provider adherence to national guidelines and significantly improved optimal asthma care for patients. This multipronged, holistic approach to asthma care proved successful for controlling and maintaining asthma conditions among patients.

EAACI Allergen Immunotherapy User's Guide.

Allergen immunotherapy is a cornerstone in the treatment of allergic children. The clinical efficiency relies on a well-defined immunologic mechanism promoting regulatory T cells and downplaying the immune response induced by allergens. Clinical indications have been well documented for respiratory allergy in the presence of rhinitis and/or allergic asthma, to pollens and dust mites. Patients who have had an anaphylactic reaction to hymenoptera venom are also good candidates for allergen immunotherapy. Administration of allergen is currently mostly either by subcutaneous injections or by sublingual administration. Both methods have been extensively studied and have pros and cons. Specifically in children, the choice of the method of administration according to the patient's profile is important. Although allergen immunotherapy is widely used, there is a need for improvement. More particularly, biomarkers for prediction of the success of the treatments are needed. The strength and efficiency of the immune response may also be boosted by the use of better adjuvants. Finally, novel formulations might be more efficient and might improve the patient's adherence to the treatment. This user's guide reviews current knowledge and aims to provide clinical guidance to healthcare professionals taking care of children undergoing allergen immunotherapy.

Pediatric Patients and Dietary Choices: Examining Alternative Options, Decision Making, and Misinformation.

BACKGROUND: Nutrition is a key component of oncologic therapies and treatments. Patients and families are interested in the integration of alternative diets to promote therapy response as well as counteract the cancer. With the expansion of online and social media presence comes the endorsement of nonscientific claims. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this article is to review alternative diets and discuss the basis of good nutrition in pediatric patients with cancer. This article will also explore where patients and families are likely to seek their information and assess their level of trust in the information. METHODS: Five alternative diets and two supplements were assessed through a literature review for their effect on pediatric patients with cancer. FINDINGS: Additional research is needed to prove consistent and definitive dietary benefits for pediatric patients with cancer; however, some diets have demonstrated promising results. A general diet for pediatric patients with cancer consists of an appropriate distribution of nutritious carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. However, unregulated sources of information remain a risk.

[Antibiotic strategy in pleural empyema in children: Consensus by the DELPHI method]. / Stratégie antibiotique dans les pleurésies en pédiatrie : consensus par méthode DELPHI.

INTRODUCTION: The evolution of the microbial epidemiology of pleuropulmonary infections complicating community-acquired pneumonia has resulted in a change in empirical or targeted antibiotic therapy in children in the post Prevenar 13 era. The three main pathogens involved in pleural empyema in children are Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus and group A Streptococcus. METHODS: A questionnaire according to the DELPHI method was sent to experts in the field (paediatric pulmonologists and infectious disease specialists) in France with the purpose of reaching a consensus on the conservative antibiotic treatment of pleural empyema in children. Two rounds were completed as part of this DELPHI process. RESULTS: Our work has shown that in the absence of clinical signs of severity, the prescription of an intravenous monotherapy is consensual but there is no agreement on the choice of drug to use. A consensus was also reached on treatment adjustment based on the results of blood cultures, the non-systematic use of a combination therapy, the need for continued oral therapy and the lack of impact of pleural drainage on infection control. On the other hand, after the second round of DELPHI, there was no consensus on the duration of intravenous antibiotic therapy and on the treatment of severe pleural empyema, especially when caused by Staphylococci. CONCLUSIONS: The result of this work highlights the needed for new French recommendations based on the evolution of microbial epidemiology in the post PCV13 era.

Autism as Representative of Disability.

Pediatricians care for many children with autism spectrum disorder who demonstrate a wide range of abilities and needs. This population is vulnerable because of lags in diagnosis, difficulty accessing services, overlooked medical conditions, behavioral difficulties during medical visits, parental stress, bullying, comorbid mental health issues, and variable transitional care moving from adolescence to young adulthood. Comprehensive care includes earlier recognition of symptoms with timely referral to early intervention services. It includes primary pediatricians partnering with the family, developmental pediatricians, and other specialists to reduce the vulnerabilities by medical advocacy, family education, and appropriate behavior intervention to improve functioning.

Somatization in acute care pediatrics: Respecting the mind-body connection.

Somatic symptom disorder is a complex condition linking distress in the mind to physical distress in the body. However, in addition to the disorder itself, experienced clinicians know that children and youth frequently experience somatizing symptoms. With an increasing prevalence of anxiety in the pediatric population, symptoms attributable to process of "somatizing" are common, and early identification and rapport building to address the root causes of a child's distress are critical for a good outcome. In the acute care setting, clinicians are often reluctant to make the diagnosis of somatization. Part of the challenge is encouraging clinicians to see that somatization is not a "diagnosis of exclusion." We want to encourage clinicians to routinely consider risk factors for somatization in their histories, actively discuss the mind-body connection with patients and families, and include somatization in a carefully considered differential diagnosis. The more we can break down the siloing of physical from mental health, the better we will serve our patients.

Aromatherapy improves nausea, pain, and mood for patients receiving pediatric palliative care symptom-based consults: A pilot design trial.

OBJECTIVE: The role of aromatherapy in supportive symptom management for pediatric patients receiving palliative care has been underexplored. This pilot study aimed to measure the impact of aromatherapy using validated child-reported nausea, pain, and mood scales 5 minutes and 60 minutes after aromatherapy exposure. METHODS: The 3 intervention arms included use of a symptom-specific aromatherapy sachet scent involving deep breathing. The parallel default control arm (for those children with medical exclusion criteria to aromatherapy) included use of a visual imagery picture envelope and deep breathing. Symptom burden was sequentially assessed at 5 and 60 minutes using the Baxter Retching Faces scale for nausea, the Wong-Baker FACES scale for pain, and the Children's Anxiety and Pain Scale (CAPS) for anxious mood. Ninety children or adolescents (mean age 9.4 years) at a free-standing children's hospital in the United States were included in each arm (total n = 180). RESULTS: At 5 minutes, there was a mean improvement of 3/10 (standard deviation [SD] 2.21) on the nausea scale; 2.6/10 (SD 1.83) on the pain scale; and 1.6/5 (SD 0.93) on the mood scale for the aromatherapy cohort (p < 0.0001). Symptom burden remained improved at 60 minutes post-intervention (<0.0001). Visual imagery with deep breathing improved self-reports of symptoms but was not as consistently sustained at 60 minutes. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: Aromatherapy represents an implementable supportive care intervention for pediatric patients receiving palliative care consults for symptom burden. The high number of children disqualified from the aromatherapy arm because of pulmonary or allergy indications warrants further attention to outcomes for additional breathing-based integrative modalities.

Psychosocial considerations and recommendations for care of pediatric patients on dialysis.

Dialysis treatment has evolved to enable children to live longer and transition to adulthood. Thus, the focus of care shifts to a consideration of pediatric patients' quality of life and psychosocial functioning across childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood. Despite well-documented concerns in various domains (including depression/anxiety, self-esteem and social functioning, behavior problems, and academic and cognitive functioning), limited literature exists regarding psychosocial guidelines for children and adolescents undergoing dialysis. This article aims to address this gap by providing a review of the pediatric literature examining psychosocial functioning in patients treated with dialysis, as well as recommendations for specific psychosocial concerns. Overall recommendations for care include screening for anxiety and depression, referral to pediatric psychologists for evidence-based intervention, utilization of child life specialists, opportunities to promote social functioning, neuropsychological evaluation and school programming, ongoing support in preparing for transition to adult care, and periodic measure of quality of life. Together, these suggestions promote a holistic approach to patient-centered care by supporting both physical and psychosocial well-being.

[Position paper on vegetarian diets in infants and children. Committee on Nutrition and Breastfeeding of the Spanish Paediatric Association]. / Recomendaciones del Comité de Nutrición y Lactancia Materna de la Asociación Española de Pediatría sobre las dietas vegetarianas.

In the last few years, there are an increased number of families following a vegetarian diet, including their children. In order to guarantee child heath, paediatricians need to know the characteristics of this diet and the main foods that are used. There are few data on the medium and long-term health outcomes when removing all animal foods from the child's diet, especially at younger ages. Nevertheless, new tools have recently become available to facilitate following a vegetarian diet and decreasing the risk of deficiencies. In this document, the group of foods commonly used in vegetarian diets are reviewed, as well as recommendations for each age group. It also mentions the need to use B12 supplements at all ages, as well as other nutrients (iodine, iron, vitaminD3, poly-unsaturated fatty acid n-3), when required. A vegetarian or a vegan diet, as in any other kind of diet, needs to be carefully designed. After reviewing current evidence, even though following a vegetarian diet at any age does not necessarily mean it is unsafe, it is advisable for infant and young children to follow an omnivorous diet or, at least, an ovo-lacto-vegetarian diet.