Foods and Drinks to Avoid


If you are a vegetarian or vegan then (wisely) you won’t be eating fish; if you are not then consider stopping! The government’s Food Standards Agency conservatively advises that pregnant and breastfeeding women should limit their consumption of oily fish to no more than two portions a week. They, along with children under 16, should avoid shark, marlin and swordfish entirely and limit the amount of


tuna they eat due to contamination with potentially deadly pollutants. There is overwhelming science highlighting


the dangers of consuming deadly pollutants such as dioxins in herring, salmon, mackerel and, to a lesser degree, trout. Further, most of the world’s fish are contaminated with mercury – a neurotoxin that causes neurological damage, developmental delays and learning deficits. The FSA also advises that pregnant


women “shouldn’t take supplements containing cod liver oil, or other types of fish liver oil. This is because fish liver oil contains high levels of vitamin A, like liver and liver products such as liver pâtè. If you have too much vitamin A, levels could build up in your body and may harm an unborn baby.” Approximately 95 per cent of food


poisoning cases are caused by meat and dairy products. Remember, your baby will eat what you eat, so think carefully! Ripened soft cheeses such as Brie and Camembert must be avoided as they may contain high levels of listeria, which, in rare cases, can lead to listeriosis. This may result in miscarriage, stillbirth or severe illness in the newborn baby. Listeria bacteria has also been found in a very small number of cook-chill products. These must


“The vegan diet is the healthiest way to eat. It provides amply for all bodies be they adult, teenage or – the subject of this unique guide – baby, infant or pregnant ones! Following the advice in this booklet will help to ensure a healthy pregnancy and robust offspring. I endorse it wholeheartedly!” Dr David Ryde. Fellow of the Royal College of General Practice


be reheated thoroughly until piping hot. Eggs should be avoided as they carry risk of


salmonella and contain significant amounts of cholesterol. Vegetables and salads should be washed


thoroughly to remove any contaminated soil and dirt. Buying organic fruit and vegetables will


help to limit the chemicals, such as pesticides and herbicides, reaching your unborn baby. Caffeine in coffee and cola has been


suspected of leading to birth defects or miscarriages but studies have proved inconclusive. Although artificial sweeteners in food and


drink are said to pose no threat, again there have been concerns regarding these. They cross the placenta and are eliminated very slowly from foetal tissues.


Viva! and Vegetarian & Vegan Foundation 15


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