" Department of Human Nutrition, Wageningen Agricultural University, The Netherlands.

. . . Intake of energy and nutrients was calculated using the Dutch food composition table which was supplemented by our own analyses of 50 macrobiotic foods. . . For all age groups combined, the intake of energy, protein, fat, calcium, riboflavin and vitamin B12 was significantly lower in the macrobiotic infants, whereas their intake of polysaccharides, fibre, iron and thiamin was higher than that of the control infants. . . . The evidence of biochemical deficiencies of iron, riboflavin, vitamin B12, vitamin D and calcium is discussed. It is suggested that the macrobiotic diet should be supplemented with fat, fatty fish and dairy products."

NOTE: This and the following are published articles on a study done in the Netherlands in 1985. It appears to be the stdy referred to by Dr. Dean Edell August 28, 2000. The reason the children were considered iron deficient when their intake was higher than matched controls is presumably illuminated in the full text.

Stunting and nutrient deficiencies in children on alternative diets.
Dagnelie PC, van Staveren WA, Hautvast JG
Acta Paediatr Scand Suppl 1991;374:111-8

" Department of Human Nutrition, Wageningen Agricultural University, The Netherlands.

Studies in children fed alternative diets showed that anthropometric parameters and the intake of energy and nutrients by macrobiotic children deviated most from current norms. . . Main findings were a growth retardation which was strongest in the second cohort (8-14 months of age) and related to a diet low in energy density, fat and protein. Haematological data revealed very low vitamin B12 . . . Iron deficiency was found in 15% of the macrobiotic group vs. no infants in the control group. Nutritional recommendations acceptable within the macrobiotic philosophy are discussed."

Nutritional status of vegetarian children.
Dwyer JT, Dietz WH Jr, Andrews EM, Suskind RM, Am J Clin Nutr 1982 Feb;35(2):204-16

" Thirty-nine preschool children consuming different types of vegetarian diets were studied. Type and amount of carbohydrate, fat, protein, and amount of sodium and cholesterol provided by their diets were more like intakes suggested in the proposed Dietary Goals for the United States than to levels in usual diets of nonvegetarian children. . . . The mean intake of vitamin B12 levels were normal. Vegan macrobiotic children had the lowest intakes of vitamins B12 and D. Other vegetarians' mean intakes of these vitamins met the Recommended Dietary Allowance. . . . The nutritional difficulties discovered could be corrected by careful planning of vegetarian children's diets while preserving the beneficial qualities of the diet in other respects."

Nutritional intakes of vegetarian populations in France.
Leblanc JC, Yoon H, Kombadjian A, Verger P, Eur J Clin Nutr 2000 May;54(5):443-9

" OBJECTIVE: To assess food behaviour and determine nutritional intakes of various vegetarian populations in France. DESIGN: A five-day self-administered food record which was mailed to members of the three principal French vegetarian organisations. . . CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that vegetarians have a better understanding of dietary requirements than does the general population. "

Vegetarian diets and children.
Sanders T, Pediatr Clin North Am 1995 Aug;42(4):955-65

" Although the general health and development of vegan and vegetarian children seem to be normal, there may be subtle differences compared with omnivores. They are at increased risk of iron deficiency, and impaired psychomotor development associated with iron deficiency has been reported in macrobiotic infants. Fortunately, this impairment is not permanent, and follow-up studies have reported higher-than-average intelligence quotients among older macrobiotic children. Several other hazards of vegetarian diets have been identified, including vitamin B12 deficiency, rickets, and a bulky diet that can restrict energy intake in the first few years of life; however, these pitfalls can be avoided easily, and children can be successfully reared on vegetarian diets."