"Six-year-olds don't need that much, but the (recommendations) are 2 servings daily of 1-2 ounces of a protein rich food, and 3-4 servings of milk with a serving being 1/2-3/4 cup (total of 1 1/2 - 3 cups)," Spence wrote.  "One egg can be substituted for 1 ounce of meat. One-fourth cup of pasteurized egg or egg substitute would do the same and could go into the smoothie the mom envisions.

"Two tablespoons peanut butter can replace 1 ounce of meat (fish, poultry) or 1/3 cup cooked beans (black, pinto, kidney, garbanzo).  For the milk she can use cheese or 2 1/2 tablespoons dry skim milk powder in place of 1/2 cup milk."

The big nutrient missing, Spence wrote, is iron, since meat, fish and poultry provide the type most easily absorbed and used by the body. "Consuming vitamin C at the meal (all those fruits) also helps with absorption of iron, but the child may well need more iron in the diet to absorb!" she wrote.

"I am not sure about using the soy protein powder.  There is some discussion about soy.  And as long as the family isn't vegetarian, there is no reason the mom couldn't use a casein protein powder, but wouldn't want to use too much. Casein is from dairy milk and found in GNC and places like that. One scoop provides 20 grams of protein or the same as in 3 ounces of meat, so she wouldn't want to use much, maybe only 1/4 or 1/2 scoop.  She should also look at Ellyn Satter's books on introducing and providing new foods in a friendly way."

To boost iron, Spence suggested the mother add a little molasses (perhaps to the smoothie?) and make sure her daughter is eating enriched grain products that have iron. She also said that if you're really concerned about a child's diet, you should of course talk to your doctor for more specific advice.