When parents come to my office, usually with teenage girls who are interesting in becoming a vegan or a vegetarian, they often ask, "Is it safe?" My answer is usually, "It depends." It depends on some very important factors. Many of the teenagers that I see that want to become a vegan or a vegetarian, do not a lentil from an automobile. For me, if they do it correctly, it is perfectly safe. Usually, I will refer them to a nutritionist to be able to get some counselling or some references, so that if they do decide to adopt this lifestyle, they can do it safely. Another issue that comes up with vegetarianism or veganism is where the family is already committed to this particular lifestyle. My professional experience is that most of those families have been doing it quite a long time and are well educated about the dos and don'ts. If I suspect or am able to determine that they are not that knowledgeable, I will refer them to a nutritionist so that they can do counselling and be able to do it correctly.