The nutrients in veal, such as complete protein, iron, zinc and B-vitamins, play a powerful role in nourishing Canadians – from fueling physical activity and aiding in normal growth and development, to supporting cognitive health and aging vibrantly.1,2,3,4 Veal provides nutrients that can be difficult to obtain in adequate quantities from plant-sourced foods alone. As a highly nutrient dense food, veal can make an important contribution to the food security and diet quality of Canadians.
BONUS: Veal, like all meat, is an excellent source of complete protein which helps build and repair muscle.
BONUS: Veal is naturally low in sodium. Reducing sodium intake supports normal blood pressure.
BONUS: Veal is single ingredient – there is no added sugar, salt, fat, colouring, or preservatives.
BONUS: Known as the “meat factor”, consuming meats like veal alongside plant-based foods such as whole grains and legumes improves the absorption of iron and zinc from the plant ingredients.
Infancy & Toddler Years
Health Canada recognizes the critical importance of offering iron-rich foods such as meat to babies as their first solid foods starting at 6 months,5 and through the toddler years.6 In fact, babies 7 to 12 months need almost 40% more iron than a full-grown man.7 Heme iron, a type of iron found in veal, is more easily absorbed than the non-heme iron found in grains like infant cereals or vegetables.
Childhood and Adolescence
Childhood and adolescence are periods of rapid growth and development requiring good nutrition. However, data from a Health Canada survey found over 50% of the calories in the diet in this age group comes from highly processed, calorie rich and nutrient poor foods such as pop, chips and fast food.8 Health Canada’s 2015 review for dietary guidance notes:9
• The majority of adolescents consumed lower than recommended intakes of vegetables and fruit, milk and alternatives as well as meat and alternatives.
• Adolescent girls had inadequate intakes for most nutrients studied.
• Among girls 14 to 18, intakes were inadequate for zinc in 19.6%, vitamin B12 in 15.8% and iron in 11.9%.
A serving of veal with veggies and whole grains goes a long way in providing the essential nutrients required during this important stage of growth.
Adulthood
Adequate nutrition is required to keep us energized and healthy for our day-to-day activities and responsibilities. A Health Canada survey found a significant number of Canadian adults do not meet the dietary intake recommendations for several essential nutrients. Nutrients of concern include iron, zinc, the B-vitamins B12, B6 and thiamin, magnesium and potassium, among others.10 Veal contains many of these nutrients which our body cannot make and protein improves satiety, helping keep you feeling fuller longer.11
Older Adults
Aging well is a challenge. When combined with an active lifestyle, a higher level of protein intake may slow muscle loss, improve bone health, and enhance nutritional status in individuals as they grow older.12,13 These facts build a strong case for including veal in a balanced diet.
Veal is of a higher protein quality (contains the full set of essential amino acids) and quantity than that found in most plant-based sources of protein.
Source: Health Canada. Canadian Nutrient File, 2015. Food Codes: Veal 3508, Chickpeas 3390, Tofu 3418, Peanut butter 6289, Hummus 4870
* Typical servings based on the Table of Reference Amounts for Food https://inspection.canada.ca/food-labels/labelling/industry/nutrition-labelling/nutrition-facts-table/eng/1389198568400/1389198597278?chap=2#s9c2
