From newfoodmagazine.com
New research explores how plant-based diets affect children’s health, revealing heart benefits alongside risks of nutrient deficiencies without careful planning
A major new study has highlighted both the health benefits and risks of plant-based diets diets for children. Drawing on data from more than 48,000 children and adolescents worldwide, this large meta-analysis is the most comprehensive study to date of plant-based diets in under-18s and shows that, while these diets can support healthy growth, careful planning is essential to avoid nutrient deficiencies.
The peer-reviewed study, published in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, was led by researchers from Italy, the USA and Australia. It reviewed data from 59 studies across 18 countries, comparing children following lacto-ovo-vegetarian diets (including dairy and eggs but excluding meat, fish and poultry) and vegan diets (excluding all animal-derived foods) with those consuming omnivorous diets.
In total, the analysis covered 7,280 lacto-ovo-vegetarians, 1,289 vegans and 40,059 omnivores. The results showed that vegetarian children typically consumed more fibre, iron, folate, vitamin C and magnesium than omnivores. However, they also had lower intakes of energy, protein, fat, vitamin B12 and zinc. While evidence on vegan diets was more limited, similar nutritional patterns emerged.
Study co-author Dr Jeannette Beasley, Associate Professor in the Departments of Nutrition and Food Studies and Medicine at New York University, explained:
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, making them important nutrients to consider for children on plant-based diets. Vegan children, in particular, had especially low calcium intake.”
Notable health benefits
Despite these risks, the study also identified notable health benefits. Both vegetarian and vegan children displayed more favourable cardiovascular risk profiles than omnivores, with lower total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol – often referred to as the “unhealthy” form of cholesterol.
Measures of growth and body composition showed that children on plant-based diets tended to be leaner than those on omnivorous diets. Vegetarian children were slightly shorter and lighter, with lower body mass index (BMI), fat mass and bone mineral content. Vegan children also had shorter stature and lower BMI scores.
Lead author Dr Monica Dinu, from the Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine at the University of Florence, Italy said:
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 stress that families should not be discouraged from choosing vegetarian or vegan diets for ethical, environmental or health reasons. Instead, they recommend that parents take an informed approach, paying close attention to key nutrients and, where possible, seeking support from dietitians and paediatric health professionals.
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.”
Further evidence needed
The researchers also highlight the need for clearer, evidence-based guidance to support families, particularly given children’s higher nutritional needs during periods of rapid growth. They caution that most of the studies included were cross-sectional and varied widely in methods and populations, making dietary assessment challenging.
Fellow co-author Dr Wolfgang Marx, from the Food & Mood Centre at Deakin University, Australia, concluded:
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 even conflicting advice for parents. Our findings suggest that a balanced approach is essential, with families paying close attention to certain nutrients – particularly vitamin B12, calcium, iodine, iron and zinc – to ensure their children get everything they need to thrive.”
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