Sir, - Concerning Anne Dempsey's article on July 8th on vegetarianism and dieting, I would first like to correct the iron filled drink I recommended to her. It should read "a handful of raisins or 2 or 3 prunes or 2 or 3 apricots. Soak the fruit in half a teaspoon of lemon juice and enough, cold water to barely cover.
I had three girls who became vegetarian in their teens. They were never anaemic and give blood regularly. Two of them have given birth five times between them, and everyone healthy, normal children.
Half the trouble with today's diet is that people are so busy, they do not have time to cook and many parents may not be aware of what their children eat. However, more and more studies are consistently giving evidence that vegetarianism is a healthier way of life. Yours etc., Rosehill, Blackrock, Co. Dublin.