Research published in the journal Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition has highlighted both the potential benefits and risks associated with plant-based diets for children. A team of international researchers from Australia, Italy, and the United States examined existing scientific literature to assess the health impacts of vegetarian and vegan diets on children under 18 years of age.
The analysis, which encompassed data from 59 studies involving 48,626 participants, found that children following plant-based diets generally had higher intakes of essential nutrients such as fiber, iron, folate, vitamin C, and magnesium. These children also tended to consume fewer calories overall and exhibited lower levels of total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, commonly referred to as “bad” cholesterol. On average, they were leaner compared to their omnivorous counterparts.
Nutritional Gaps and Growth Concerns
Despite these benefits, researchers noted significant nutritional deficiencies associated with plant-based diets. Children who followed vegetarian or vegan diets often had lower intakes of crucial nutrients, including protein, fat, vitamin B12, vitamin D, zinc, and calcium. The study revealed that vegan children, in particular, experienced very low calcium intake, which could impact bone health.
Additionally, the findings indicated that vegetarian children were slightly shorter than omnivores, while vegan children showed a tendency toward “shorter stature.” While most nutritional needs were met, there was an increased risk of iron deficiency and anemia among vegetarians, and a heightened risk of vitamin B12 deficiency among vegans.
As the lead author, Wolfgang Marx from the Food & Mood Center at Deakin University in Australia, expressed, “These findings underscore the need for careful dietary planning and supplementation in lacto-ovo-vegetarian and vegan children.”
Benefits of a Balanced Approach
Despite the risks outlined in this study, the researchers emphasized that families should not be deterred from adopting plant-based diets. Previous studies have shown that with proper planning, vegetarian and vegan diets can adequately meet nutritional needs.
Marx advised that families should pay particular attention to nutrients such as vitamin B12, calcium, iodine, iron, and zinc to ensure children thrive on plant-based diets. The study highlights the importance of a balanced approach to nutrition, ensuring that children receive all the essential nutrients while enjoying the benefits of plant-based eating.
With the rising popularity of vegetarian and vegan lifestyles, this research serves as a crucial reminder for parents to monitor their children’s diets closely, ensuring they receive the necessary nutrients to support healthy growth and development.
