The closest I got to vegetarianism was several years in my youth of not eating beef or pork and then I was careful to read up on it and supplement with B12. I grew up eating lots of beef, eat very little of it these days, but I agree that people should make their own choices - preferably informed ones. I like almond milk in occasional cereal, not for "health" reasons. I'm happy to use whole milk and cream in cooking and drinks and try to avoid soy for health reasons.

The post here is sobering and if I had to guess I'd say the impressionable young mother thought she was helping her newborn. Too stupid and idealistic to know you need to be researching anything you give to your infants, especially, and young children to eat or drink. Having been deprived of proper vitamins, nutrients, protein and such to such an extent, I pray that child does not have irreversible physical damage.

I agree with the live-and-let-live attitude towards adults, but have to say that I've met several vegans and vegetarians over the years and they're not nearly as healthy as those who eat meat and get healthy exercise.