New Study Reveals Benefits and Risks of Plant-Based Diets in Children

A comprehensive new meta-analysis has found that vegetarian and vegan diets can support healthy growth in children when carefully planned and supplemented. This significant study, involving over 48,000 children and adolescents from around the world, sheds light on the health outcomes, growth, and nutritional adequacy associated with these dietary patterns. Published in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, the research highlights both the benefits and potential risks of plant-based diets for children under 18 years of age.

The research team, featuring experts from Italy, the United States, and Australia, analyzed data from 59 studies conducted in 18 countries. They examined the health and nutritional outcomes of children following three dietary styles: lacto-ovo-vegetarian, vegan, and omnivorous. The analysis included 7,280 lacto-ovo-vegetarians, 1,289 vegans, and 40,059 omnivores.

Nutrition Insights and Health Outcomes

The findings reveal that children on vegetarian diets generally consumed higher amounts of fiber, iron, folate, vitamin C, and magnesium compared to their omnivorous peers. However, they also had lower intakes of energy, protein, fat, vitamin B12, and zinc. The evidence surrounding vegan diets showed similar patterns, although the data was more limited.

Dr. Jeannette Beasley, an associate professor at New York University, noted, “Notably, vitamin B12 didn’t reach adequate levels without supplementation or fortified foods, and calcium, iodine, and zinc intakes were often at the lower end of recommended ranges.” She emphasized that vegan children, in particular, had especially low calcium intake, which is crucial for their development.

Despite these nutritional risks, the study found that both vegetarian and vegan children exhibited more favorable cardiovascular health profiles than those following an omnivorous diet. They demonstrated lower levels of total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often referred to as the “unhealthy” type of cholesterol.

Additionally, the analysis indicated that children consuming plant-based diets tended to be leaner, with vegetarian children showing slightly lower body mass index (BMI), fat mass, and bone mineral content compared to omnivores.

Guidance for Parents

Lead author Dr. Monica Dinu from the University of Florence stated, “Our analysis of current evidence suggests that well-planned and appropriately supplemented vegetarian and vegan diets can meet nutritional requirements and support healthy growth in children.”

The authors encourage families to remain open to vegetarian or vegan diets, which can offer both health benefits and environmental advantages. They recommend that parents approach these diets with informed planning and consult with healthcare professionals such as dietitians and pediatricians. By focusing on essential nutrients, families can ensure that their children receive adequate nutrition during critical growth periods.

Dr. Dinu added, “We hope these findings offer clearer guidance on both the benefits and potential risks of plant-based diets, helping the growing number of parents choosing these diets for health, ethical, or environmental reasons.”

The researchers also highlighted the need for comprehensive, evidence-based guidelines to assist families in planning healthy plant-based diets tailored to children’s nutritional needs. They cautioned, however, that the study’s findings are limited by the cross-sectional design of most included studies and variability in dietary assessment methods.

Dr. Wolfgang Marx from the Food & Mood Center at Deakin University summarized the study’s implications, stating, “While well-planned vegetarian and vegan diets are nutritionally adequate for adults, there is far less clarity about their suitability for children.” He emphasized the importance of a balanced approach, paying attention to key nutrients like vitamin B12, calcium, iodine, iron, and zinc to ensure children’s health and well-being.

As the interest in plant-based diets continues to grow, this meta-analysis serves as a pivotal resource for parents and health professionals, providing insights into the nutritional landscape of vegetarian and vegan diets for children. Further research is necessary to refine our understanding of these diets and their long-term effects on children’s health.