New Study Reveals Benefits and Risks of Plant-Based Diets for Kids

A major new meta-analysis highlights both the benefits and risks associated with vegetarian and vegan diets in children. Conducted by researchers from Italy, the United States, and Australia, the study examined data from over 48,000 children and adolescents globally. The findings indicate that while plant-based diets can support healthy growth when properly planned, they also require careful attention to nutritional supplementation.

The research, published in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, stands as the most comprehensive investigation into the effects of plant-based diets on children under 18 years of age. It encompasses data from 59 studies across 18 countries, comparing health outcomes, growth metrics, and nutritional adequacy between various dietary patterns. This includes lacto-ovo-vegetarian diets, which allow for dairy and eggs, and vegan diets, which exclude all animal products.

The analysis reveals that children adhering to vegetarian diets tend to consume more fiber, iron, folate, vitamin C, and magnesium compared to their omnivorous counterparts. However, they also show lower intakes of energy, protein, fat, vitamin B12, and zinc. Vegan children exhibited similar trends, but with an even more pronounced deficiency in key nutrients.

Dr. Jeannette Beasley, an associate professor at New York University, emphasizes that “vitamin B12 didn’t reach adequate levels without supplementation or fortified foods,” while calcium, iodine, and zinc intakes were frequently at the lower end of recommended ranges. “Vegan children, in particular, had especially low calcium intake,” she adds.

Health Benefits of Plant-Based Diets

Despite these nutritional challenges, both vegan and vegetarian children displayed more favorable cardiovascular health profiles than those consuming omnivorous diets. They had lower levels of total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often referred to as “bad” cholesterol. Additionally, growth and body composition measures indicated that children on plant-based diets tended to be leaner, with vegetarian children slightly shorter and lighter. Vegan children also showed lower body mass index (BMI) scores.

Lead author Dr. Monica Dinu from the University of Florence states, “Our analysis suggests that well-planned and appropriately supplemented vegetarian and vegan diets can meet nutritional requirements and support healthy growth in children.” This finding reinforces the idea that families can successfully implement plant-based diets while promoting both health and ethical considerations.

Parents considering plant-based diets for their children should approach this dietary choice with informed planning. The authors of the study encourage families to seek guidance from professionals, such as dietitians and pediatric health specialists. By focusing on key nutrients, these diets can adequately support children’s needs during crucial growth periods.

Need for Further Research

While the study provides valuable insights, the authors stress the importance of ongoing research to establish clear, evidence-based guidelines for families. They highlight that children may have heightened nutritional requirements during growth spurts, necessitating careful dietary planning.

Dr. Wolfgang Marx from Deakin University notes, “While well-planned vegetarian and vegan diets are nutritionally adequate for adults, there is less clarity regarding their suitability for children.” This uncertainty can lead to inconsistent or conflicting advice for parents. Therefore, a balanced approach is vital, with close attention to essential nutrients such as vitamin B12, calcium, iodine, iron, and zinc.

In conclusion, the findings from this meta-analysis offer crucial guidance for families exploring vegetarian and vegan diets for their children. With appropriate planning and supplementation, these diets can not only meet nutritional needs but also provide health benefits that promote long-term well-being. As the number of families choosing plant-based diets continues to rise, the emphasis on informed decision-making remains essential.