Pediatrician weighs in on the rise of carnivore baby diet – Indianapolis News | Indiana Weather | Indiana Traffic

(WISH) — Do you get advice about what your baby should be eating on your phone every day?

From standard American to vegetarian to vegan, there’s many different options. However, there’s a new trend that takes the steak.

Everyone needs food to live, so the decision of what to feed your baby is very important. “Babies especially need a wide variety of different nutrients in order to grow,” said Dr. Roland Gutierrez, president and owner of Pediatrics at the Park in Winter Park, Florida.

However, some parents are embracing a new trend to keep their kids healthy.

“A carnivore baby is a baby that’s fed primarily carnivorously,” Gutierrez said.

The diet is made of meat and other animal products like eggs and butter, followed by fruit and vegetables. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends a combination of protein, fruits, vegetables, grain and dairy products.

“It’s hard to ever say that one diet is perfect for every child. One size doesn’t fit all. So the carnivore diet will be good in some cases, and in short periods of time, it is actually very good. But in the long-term, a well-balanced diet is best,” Gutierrez said.

He recommends the red, orange and green diet, starting with puréed vegetables like carrots, zucchini and squash, then if tolerated, the diet can include meats and fats like eggs, salmon and, not as pretty, organ meats.

“With a carnivore diet, there may be a lack of vitamin C, and they found that there is vitamin C in the highest concentration in these organ meats,” Gutierrez explained.

Whichever diet you choose, it’s more important to make sure your baby is getting every nutrient they need. “Remember their immune systems, their nervous system, everything is doubling and so without these nutrients, it’s impossible for them to grow well,” the doctor said.

He warns against trying every new trend without doing your own research on what’s best for your kid. For Gutierrez’s patients, he tests to see if they are deficient in any micronutrients or vitamins, then adjusts their diet accordingly.