A large new meta-analysis suggests that vegetarian and vegan diets can support healthy growth in children when planned carefully and paired with appropriate supplementation.
The study, which reviewed data from more than 48,000 children and teens across 18 countries, found that plant-based diets are often nutrient-rich and may offer some health advantages, but they also carry a risk of deficiencies if key nutrients are not obtained from fortified foods or supplements.
The review, published in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, compared lacto-ovo-vegetarian diets, vegan diets and omnivorous diets across 59 studies. Vegetarian children tended to eat more fiber, iron, folate, vitamin C and magnesium than omnivores, but consumed less energy, protein, fat, vitamin B12 and zinc. Limited evidence on vegan diets showed similar patterns.
“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,” said study co-author Dr. Jeannette Beasley. “Vegan children, in particular, had especially low calcium intake.”
The analysis also found some potential health advantages. Both vegetarian and vegan children had more favorable cardiovascular risk profiles than omnivores, including lower total and LDL cholesterol levels. Across growth and body composition measures, children on plant-based diets tended to be leaner, with slightly lower height, weight, BMI, fat mass and bone mineral content. These differences were generally small but consistent across the available data.
“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,” said lead author Dr. Monica Dinu.
The authors stress that families choosing these diets for ethical, environmental or health reasons should not be discouraged, but should take an informed approach and seek guidance when possible. With attention to nutrients such as vitamin B12, calcium, iodine, iron and zinc, plant-based diets can meet children’s needs during periods of rapid growth.
Still, the researchers note important limitations. Most of the included studies were cross-sectional, relied on self-reported dietary intake and used varying methods. More research is needed to clarify long-term outcomes and to guide families on the most effective ways to plan nutrient-adequate plant-based diets for children.
“While well-planned vegetarian and vegan diets are nutritionally adequate and beneficial for adults, there is far less clarity about their suitability for children,” said co-author Dr. Wolfgang Marx. “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.”
The authors report that there is no funding associated with the research featured in this article.