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

A comprehensive new meta-analysis has determined that well-planned vegetarian and vegan diets can support healthy growth in children, but also carry risks if not properly managed. This study, involving data from over 48,000 children and adolescents across 18 countries, is the most extensive investigation of plant-based diets in this age group to date. Conducted by a collaborative team from Italy, the U.S., and Australia, the findings highlight both the potential benefits and the nutritional challenges associated with these diets.

The research, published in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, examined various dietary patterns, including lacto-ovo-vegetarian (which includes dairy and eggs but excludes meat) and vegan diets (which exclude all animal products). The analysis revealed that vegetarian children generally have higher intakes of fiber, iron, folate, vitamin C, and magnesium compared to their omnivorous counterparts. However, they also showed lower consumption of energy, protein, fat, vitamin B12, and zinc, raising concerns about possible nutrient deficiencies.

According to Dr. Jeannette Beasley, an associate professor at New York University, “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.” This is particularly critical for children on vegan diets, who were found to have especially low calcium intake.

Health Advantages of Plant-Based Diets

Despite the risks, the study found that both vegetarian and vegan children exhibited more favorable cardiovascular health profiles than those consuming omnivorous diets, with lower levels of total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Additionally, children on plant-based diets were generally leaner, with vegetarian children presenting lower body mass index (BMI) and fat mass compared to omnivores. Vegan children also displayed shorter stature and lower BMI scores.

Dr. Monica Dinu, the lead author from the University of Florence, emphasized the importance of proper planning: “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.”

Parents considering plant-based diets for their children are encouraged to take an informed approach. While these diets can provide ethical and environmental benefits, careful planning is essential to ensure all nutritional needs are met. The researchers recommend that parents consult with healthcare professionals, such as dietitians and pediatricians, to optimize their children’s diets.

Need for Balanced Nutrition

The authors of the study also highlighted the necessity for clear, evidence-based guidance in supporting families who choose vegetarian or vegan diets for their children. They noted that children’s nutritional requirements can be particularly high during growth periods, and attention to certain nutrients is crucial.

Dr. Wolfgang Marx from Deakin University remarked on the importance of balance: “While well-planned vegetarian and vegan diets are nutritionally adequate and beneficial for adults, there is far less clarity about their suitability for children, leading to inconsistent or conflicting advice for parents.” He stressed the need for families to pay close attention to nutrients such as vitamin B12, calcium, iodine, iron, and zinc to ensure children’s health and well-being.

The study serves as a significant resource for parents navigating the complexities of plant-based diets for their children, emphasizing that with the right planning and support, these diets can be both nutritious and beneficial.