New research involving 48,000 children worldwide confirms that vegan and vegetarian diets can support healthy growth when properly planned - but critical nutrient deficiencies remain a real risk without supplementation.
Children following vegetarian and vegan diets can achieve healthy growth and development when their meals are carefully planned and supplemented appropriately, according to comprehensive new research published in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition.
The meta-analysis examined data from 48,000 children and adolescents across 18 countries, making it the most extensive review to date of how plant-based eating patterns affect young people's health and development.
Researchers from universities in Italy, the United States, and Australia analyzed 59 separate studies involving children under 18 years old. The data included 7,280 lacto-ovo-vegetarians who consume dairy and eggs but avoid meat and fish, 1,289 vegans who exclude all animal products, and 40,059 children eating omnivorous diets.
Nutritional advantages and deficiency Risks
The findings reveal that children on vegetarian diets typically consume more fiber, iron, folate, vitamin C, and magnesium compared to their omnivorous peers. However, they also showed lower intake of total energy, protein, fat, vitamin B12, and zinc.
"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 study co-author Dr. Jeannette Beasley, an Associate Professor at New York University's Departments of Nutrition and Food Studies and Medicine.
The research indicated that vegan children face particularly notable challenges with calcium intake, requiring special attention from parents and healthcare providers.
Cardiovascular and growth differences
Despite potential nutrient gaps, both vegetarian and vegan children demonstrated better cardiovascular health markers than omnivorous children, including lower total cholesterol and reduced low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels.
The analysis also identified physical differences between groups. Children following plant-based diets tended to have leaner body compositions, with vegetarian children showing slightly reduced height and weight, lower body mass index, decreased fat mass, and lower bone mineral content. Vegan children similarly displayed shorter stature and reduced BMI measurements.
Expert recommendations for families
Lead researcher Dr. Monica Dinu from the University of Florence emphasized that the results should encourage rather than discourage families considering plant-based diets for their children.
"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," Dr. Dinu stated.
The research team recommends that parents choosing plant-based diets for their children work with healthcare professionals such as dietitians and pediatricians to ensure proper nutritional planning. Families should pay particular attention to vitamin B12, calcium, iodine, iron, and zinc intake through fortified foods or supplements.
Study limitations and future directions
The researchers acknowledged several limitations in their analysis, including the cross-sectional design of most included studies, variations in research methods across different populations, and inherent difficulties in accurately measuring children's dietary consumption.
Dr. Wolfgang Marx from Deakin University's Food & Mood Centre in Australia noted that while plant-based diets are well-established as nutritionally adequate for adults, guidance for children has been less clear and sometimes contradictory.
"Our findings suggest that a balanced approach is essential, with families paying close attention to certain nutrients to ensure their children get everything they need to thrive," Dr. Marx said.
The study authors hope their work will provide families choosing vegetarian or vegan diets for health, ethical, or environmental reasons with clearer, evidence-based guidance for supporting their children's nutritional needs during critical growth periods.
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