It can take anywhere from three to six months to fully convert to vegan.

Amy Kimberlain

Maya Adam's important for kids to be monitored for their growth, regardless of their diet, a vegetarian diet can be a healthy choice for all kids. The key is making sure that it is well planned out. With the help of a registered dietitian nutritionist, kids' growth can be monitored as well as their nutrients needs to ensure they are being adequately consumed.

The kids that were underweight both in vegetarian and non-vegetarian( groups) were similar and were younger in age and of Asian descent.

Some of the alternative milks are not fortified with calcium or vitamin D -- and the same is true for plant-based yogurts, like those made from soy, coconut or almonds, while it's great that there are alternative products available for those switching to a more vegan diet, it's important to look for the fortification of calcium and vitamin D in these products.

Years ago, it wasn't mainstream, but more and more people are going the vegan route.

Plant-based eaters may have a small portion of cheese or other animal protein.

It takes actual planning to ensure nutritional adequacy on a vegan diet.

A person may be eating oatmeal with plant-based milk and fruit for breakfast, and I'll ask them to add hemp seeds, flax seeds or chia seeds, or even a nut butter like peanut butter.