22-Month-Old Suffered From Seizures and Malnutrition Due to a Vegetarian Diet

The child is recovering after two days of treatment for malnutrition caused by an exclusively vegetarian diet since birth.

Reports detail a case of a 22-month-old child who was hospitalized due to severe malnutrition.

Sanook reported on March 20 that a 22-month-old child was hospitalized for severe malnutrition. Since birth, the child’s diet has been exclusively vegetarian, which may have contributed to the deficiency.

Ho Chi Minh City Children’s Hospital (HCMC) reported they recently admitted a 22-month-old boy who was transported to the hospital after having a seizure.

In the days leading up to the seizure, the child’s medical records indicate symptoms including a low-grade fever, cough, and runny nose for four days.

The parents brought the child to a local hospital for emergency treatment and then transferred to the city’s children’s hospital.

Media reports state that the child experienced multiple seizures. Medical personnel administered anticonvulsant medication, which may have caused adverse side effects such as swelling and paleness.

Medical testing identified a severe lack of sodium in the child’s system. Doctors responded with an emergency intravenous infusion to replenish sodium, potassium, and calcium. The child then continued treatment with oral sodium, potassium, calcium, and vitamin D supplements.

After two days of treatment, the child’s condition gradually improved, the seizures stopped, and he returned to normal.

A nutritionist noted that the child’s diet since birth consisted solely of “vegetarian” meals prepared at home by his mother. These meals primarily included brown rice, sesame seeds, and nut milk.

The child’s parents met with a nutritionist for dietary counseling. The sessions focused on creating an age-appropriate meal plan to address the child’s nutritional deficiencies. The nutritionist also provided additional guidance on the child’s overall treatment plan.