A comprehensive meta-analysis shows that well-planned vegetarian and vegan diets can support healthy growth in children and offer cardiovascular benefits. However, the review highlights risks of nutrient deficiencies like vitamin B12 and calcium without proper supplementation. Researchers urge parents to consult professionals for balanced plant-based nutrition.
A new meta-analysis, the largest of its kind, has examined the impacts of plant-based diets on over 48,000 children and adolescents worldwide. Published in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, the study reviewed data from 59 studies across 18 countries, comparing 7,280 lacto-ovo-vegetarians, 1,289 vegans, and 40,059 omnivores.
The findings indicate that vegetarian children consume more fiber, iron, folate, vitamin C, and magnesium than those on omnivorous diets, though they have lower intakes of energy, protein, fat, vitamin B12, and zinc. Vegan children show similar patterns, with particularly low calcium levels. Without fortified foods or supplements, vitamin B12 often falls short of adequate levels, and calcium, iodine, and zinc hover at the lower end of recommendations.
"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," said co-author Dr. Jeannette Beasley, an associate professor at New York University.
Despite these gaps, plant-based diets yield health advantages. Children on such diets exhibit lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, key markers of heart health. They also tend to have leaner body compositions, with vegetarians showing slightly shorter stature, lower weight, BMI, fat mass, and bone mineral content compared to omnivores. Vegans similarly have lower BMI scores.
"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," stated lead author Dr. Monica Dinu from the University of Florence.
The researchers, including Dr. Wolfgang Marx from Deakin University, emphasize careful planning to address critical nutrients during growth phases. They note limitations like cross-sectional study designs and challenges in measuring diets, calling for more targeted research. Parents motivated by health, ethical, or environmental reasons are encouraged to seek guidance from dietitians and pediatricians to ensure nutritional adequacy.
