Is it Ethical to Raise Vegan Babies?

In May of 2017, a 7-month-old baby in Belgium tragically died as a result of the strict vegan diet his parents fed him (Link). In another instance in 2017, an 11 month-old baby died in France from a B12 deficiency (Link). The baby was breastfeeding, but the deficient vegan mother did not pass along any B12 to her baby through her breast milk.

These and other deaths have resulted in a lot of necessary debating over the merits of raising vegan babies. Of course, there are also those who have raised healthy vegan babies (Link). However, these successful families were more intentional about providing the baby with essential nutrients such as calcium, iron and B12. Fortified plant-based milk options as well as longer breastfeeding from a mother who isn't deficient in B12 are some helpful options.

"In addition to Vitamins B12 and D, vegetarian and vegan diets are at risk of deficiency in a few other key nutrients, including iron, zinc and Omega-3 fatty acids. To ensure that your baby gets enough of these key nutrients, you could give her a vitamin supplement, choose fortified cereals and juices, or look for plant-based alternatives" (Link).

Personally, if I had children, I would probably not choose to deprive them of free range eggs and / or free range cow's milk. However, I also understand that there are vegans who would never purchase any animal products. For the sake of their children, these parents must humble themselves and examine the risks and the necessary supplements to take for both themselves and their children.

Was Elliot Rogers on Antidepressants?

Many people are probably wondering, why didn't Elliot Rogers receive any medical treatment prior to his horrific murders of 7 college students in California? The answer is, he was already taking Xanax and Vicodin. As he wrote in his journal, "To end my life, I will quickly swallow all of the Xanax and Vicodin pills I have left, along with an ample amount of hard liquor" (Link).

One possible side effect from Xanax is mania (Link). Mania often includes "inflated self-esteem or grandiosity" and "excessive involvement in pleasurable activities that have a high potential for painful consequences" (link). In his videos, Eliot Rogers referred to himself as "magnificent" and "the ultimate alpha male". He also said, "I will be god to them".

Many medications include psychosis as a possible side effect (Link). So is it really a coincidence that many of people who have committed school shootings were taking prescribed medications (Link)? 

Personally, I used to take antidepressants, and I ultimately found relief through diet and natural supplementation. Read about my experience on antidepressants here!