Meta-analysis shows vegetarian and vegan diets support healthy growth in children — Evidence Review
Published in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, by researchers from New York University, University of Florence, Deakin University
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Table of Contents
Carefully planned vegetarian and vegan diets can support healthy growth in children if supplemented properly, according to a new meta-analysis. Most recent studies, including those summarized by the study authors, generally agree that plant-based diets are viable for children with attention to specific nutrients.
- Existing research consistently finds that with proper planning and supplementation—especially vitamin B12, calcium, iodine, zinc, and vitamin D—vegetarian and vegan diets can meet most or all nutritional needs for children, though certain nutrients often fall short without fortification 1 2 4 8 10.
- Several studies observe that children on plant-based diets tend to be leaner and have improved cardiovascular risk profiles, but may be slightly shorter or lighter and at increased risk of deficiencies in vitamin B12, iron, and calcium if supplementation is not provided 3 5 8.
- While the bulk of evidence supports the adequacy of plant-based diets with appropriate care, research also highlights significant variation in outcomes, reflecting differences in diet quality, supplementation, and study design, and urging caution in generalizing results 6 10.
Study Overview and Key Findings
Plant-based diets for children are a subject of increasing interest among families for health, ethical, and environmental reasons. This new meta-analysis is the largest to date, synthesizing data from over 48,000 children across 18 countries to assess how vegetarian and vegan diets affect growth, nutritional status, and health. The study addresses ongoing concerns about whether such diets are nutritionally adequate for children during critical stages of development, especially in light of rising popularity and sometimes conflicting dietary advice.
The research goes beyond nutrient intake, examining markers of cardiovascular health, bone mineral content, and body composition. It emphasizes that while plant-based diets can be beneficial and sufficient for childhood growth, they require careful planning and supplementation to avoid risks of specific nutrient deficiencies.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Organization | New York University, University of Florence, Deakin University |
| Journal Name | Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition |
| Authors | Dr. Jeannette Beasley, Dr. Monica Dinu, Dr. Wolfgang Marx |
| Population | Children and adolescents following different diets |
| Sample Size | n=48,000 |
| Methods | Meta-Analysis |
| Outcome | Nutritional and health outcomes of different diets |
| Results | Vegetarian and vegan diets can support healthy growth in children. |
Literature Review: Related Studies
To contextualize the findings, we searched the Consensus database, which contains over 200 million research papers. The following search queries were used to identify relevant studies:
- vegan diet children growth
- vegetarian nutrition child development
- plant-based diet health outcomes kids
Table: Key Topics and Findings from Related Studies
| Topic | Key Findings |
|---|---|
| What nutrients require special attention in vegetarian and vegan children’s diets? | - Vitamin B12, calcium, iodine, and zinc are frequently low or at risk of deficiency without supplementation or fortified foods 1 2 4 5 7 8 10. - Omega-3 fatty acid (DHA) and vitamin D intake may also be insufficient, especially in vegans 4 5 8. |
| Do plant-based diets affect growth, body composition, and development in children? | - Most children on plant-based diets grow and develop normally but may be leaner and slightly shorter or lighter than omnivores 1 2 3 6 8. - Adequate energy, protein, and supplement use are key to supporting normal growth 1 2 3 4 8. |
| Are there health benefits or risks associated with plant-based diets in children? | - Plant-based diets, particularly vegan diets, are linked to more favorable cardiovascular risk profiles (lower cholesterol, better fat quality) 3 8 9. - Risks include higher prevalence of certain micronutrient deficiencies 3 5 10. |
| How does plant-based diet quality and supplementation influence outcomes? | - Diets with diverse plant foods and appropriate supplementation/fortification minimize risks of nutritional inadequacy 4 7 8 10. - Poorly planned or unsupplemented diets increase the likelihood of deficiencies and health concerns 5 7 10. |
What nutrients require special attention in vegetarian and vegan children’s diets?
Multiple studies emphasize that specific nutrients are more likely to be insufficient in vegetarian and especially vegan children without careful dietary planning and supplementation. The most commonly cited concerns are vitamin B12, calcium, iodine, and zinc, along with vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids. The new meta-analysis aligns with this consensus, highlighting the need for supplementation and/or fortified foods to ensure adequacy.
- Vitamin B12 is frequently inadequate in unsupplemented vegan and vegetarian diets, requiring supplementation 1 2 4 8 10.
- Calcium and iodine intakes are often at the lower end of recommendations, as are zinc and vitamin D, particularly in vegan children 4 5 7 8 10.
- Omega-3 fatty acid (DHA) status is lower in vegan children, raising concerns about visual and neural development 4 5 8.
- Fortified foods and supplements are effective in addressing most nutritional gaps 4 7 8 10.
Do plant-based diets affect growth, body composition, and development in children?
Evidence from observational and cross-sectional studies suggests that vegetarian and vegan children typically grow and develop within normal ranges, though they may be lighter and slightly shorter than omnivores. The new meta-analysis confirms these trends, noting that plant-based children are often leaner with lower BMI and fat mass.
- Studies consistently find that energy and protein needs must be met to avoid slowed growth or reduced bone mineral content 1 2 3 4 8.
- Vegan and vegetarian children tend to be leaner and may have slightly lower height and weight averages, but most meet developmental milestones 1 2 3 6 8.
- Body composition differences include lower fat mass and BMI in plant-based children 3 8.
- Adequate supplementation helps ensure normal growth and development 1 2 4 8.
Are there health benefits or risks associated with plant-based diets in children?
Several studies point to potential health advantages for plant-based children, particularly in markers of cardiovascular health. Lower cholesterol levels and more favorable fat quality are consistently observed. However, these benefits are balanced by concerns about micronutrient deficiencies if diets are not carefully managed.
- Vegan children often have lower total and LDL cholesterol, and better cardiovascular profiles than omnivores 3 8 9.
- The risk of deficiencies in B12, iron, vitamin D, and calcium is greater in vegans, especially without supplementation 3 5 10.
- Health risks from deficiencies can be minimized with proper planning, but poor adherence to supplementation increases risk 5 7 10.
- Some research notes that the long-term effects of these deficiencies on child health remain unclear 6 10.
How does plant-based diet quality and supplementation influence outcomes?
The adequacy of plant-based diets for children is closely tied to diet quality, diversity, and use of supplements or fortified foods. Studies agree that well-constructed diets with attention to critical nutrients are sufficient, while poorly planned diets can lead to significant health concerns.
- Diets rich in a variety of plant foods and fortified products reduce the risk of deficiencies 4 7 8 10.
- Supplementation with vitamins B12, D, iodine, calcium, and DHA is recommended for many vegan children 4 5 7 8.
- Commercial plant-based drinks should be fortified with key nutrients for use as cow's milk substitutes in toddlers 7.
- The importance of individualized, professional dietary guidance is highlighted to ensure adequacy 4 7 10.
Future Research Questions
While current evidence supports the use of carefully planned vegetarian and vegan diets in children, several areas require further study to address lingering uncertainties and optimize outcomes. More longitudinal and intervention-based research is needed to clarify long-term health effects, nutrient status, and practical dietary strategies.
| Research Question | Relevance |
|---|---|
| What are the long-term effects of plant-based diets on growth and development in children? | Longitudinal studies are needed to assess whether slight differences in growth and body composition translate into long-term health impacts, as most current data are cross-sectional or short-term 3 5 6. |
| How does supplementation with B12, DHA, and other nutrients impact outcomes in vegan children? | Supplementation is widely recommended, but more research is needed to determine optimal strategies and their effectiveness in preventing deficiencies and supporting health 4 5 8. |
| What are the most effective dietary strategies for ensuring nutritional adequacy in plant-based diets for children? | Identifying practical, evidence-based approaches—including fortified foods and professional guidance—can help families avoid nutritional pitfalls 4 7 10. |
| How do plant-based diets affect bone health and mineralization during childhood and adolescence? | Lower calcium intake and bone mineral content have been observed in vegan children, but the long-term consequences for bone health and fracture risk are not well understood 3 5 8. |
| What role does socioeconomic status or access to fortified foods play in nutritional outcomes for plant-based children? | Variability in study outcomes may reflect differences in socioeconomic status, dietary diversity, and access to fortified foods, which are important to investigate for broader public health recommendations 6 10. |