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Dr Deepa

Dr Deepa Suvarna  |171 Answers  |Ask -

Paediatrician - Answered on May 07, 2025

Dr Deepa Suvarna is a practising paediatrician with 25 years of experience. She completed her MD in paediatrics from the TN Medical College and BYL Nair Hospital, MBBS from the King Edward Memorial Hospital and Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College and diploma in child health from the College of Physicians and Surgeons.... more
Asked by Anonymous - May 07, 2025
Health

My son is active in athletics. We follow a vegetarian diet at home. How can I ensure my 7-year-old is getting enough protein, iron, and vitamin B12, and supplements necessary at this age? What can I replace eggs and meat with?

Ans: Dairy products like milk, curds, cheese and paneer provide calcium. Green veggies esp leafy vegetables are a good source of iron and vitamins. Whole pulses like beans, soyabean, chana, moong provide protein
DISCLAIMER: The answer provided by rediffGURUS is for informational and general awareness purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment.
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Hi KomalWhat tips do you have for vegetarians?Also, since we don’t go out much, how does that affect our Vitamin D? And I also keep hearing about Vitamin B12?Are there any other vitamins and tablets we should take?My friend has started taking zinc.Sanay
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Vegetarian diets are healthy if taken in the correct combinations and proportions.

Although the first quality protein is obtained from animal food, we can procure good quality proteins from plant foods as well.

Plant foods are rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables, which provide many essential nutrients including fibre.

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My married ex still texts me for comfort. Because of him, I am unable to move on. He makes me feel guilty by saying he got married out of family pressure. His dad is a cardiac patient and mom is being treated for cancer. He comforts me by saying he will get separated soon and we will get married because he only loves me. We have been in a relationship for 14 years and despite everything we tried, his parents refused to accept me, so he chose to get married to someone who understands our situation. I don't know when he will separate from his wife. She knows about us too but she comes from a traditional family. She also confirmed there is no physical intimacy between them. I trust him, but is it worth losing my youth for him? Honestly, I am worried and very confused.
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I understand how difficult it is to let go of a relationship you have built from scratch, but is it really how you want to continue? It really seems to be going nowhere. His parents are already in bad health and he married someone else for their happiness. Does it seem like he will be able to leave her? So many people’s happiness and lives depend on this one decision. I think it’s about time you and your BF have a clear conversation about the same. If he can’t give a proper timeline, please try to understand his situation. But also make sure he understands yours and maybe rethink this equation. It really isn’t healthy. You deserve a love you can have wholly, and not just in pieces, and in the shadows.

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