A comprehensive meta-analysis has found that well-planned vegetarian and vegan diets can support healthy growth in children, although they may also pose certain nutritional risks. The study, which is the largest of its kind, examined data from over 48,000 children and adolescents globally, focusing on various dietary patterns and their health outcomes. Conducted by a team of researchers from Italy, the United States, and Australia, the findings were published in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition in March 2025.
The analysis reviewed 59 studies across 18 countries, comparing the health and nutritional impacts of lacto-ovo-vegetarian and vegan diets against omnivorous diets. Researchers found that while vegetarian children consumed higher amounts of essential nutrients such as fiber, iron, folate, vitamin C, and magnesium, they also had lower intakes of energy, protein, fat, vitamin B12, and zinc. Notably, vitamin B12 levels did not reach adequate thresholds for vegan children without supplementation or fortified foods.
Dr. Jeannette Beasley, a co-author of the study and an associate professor at New York University, emphasized the importance of monitoring specific nutrients, stating, “Calcium, iodine, and zinc intakes were often at the lower end of recommended ranges, making them crucial for children on plant-based diets.” Vegan children showed particularly low calcium intake, raising concerns about potential deficiencies.
Health Benefits of Plant-Based Diets
Despite these nutritional challenges, the study highlighted several health benefits associated with vegetarian and vegan diets. Children following these diets exhibited better cardiovascular health profiles compared to their omnivorous peers, showing lower levels of total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, known as the “unhealthy” form of cholesterol.
Growth measurements indicated that children on plant-based diets were generally leaner than those consuming omnivorous diets. Vegetarian children were found to be slightly shorter and lighter, with lower body mass index (BMI), fat mass, and bone mineral content. Vegan children also displayed lower height and BMI scores, suggesting distinct growth patterns linked to their dietary choices.
Lead author Dr. Monica Dinu from the University of Florence stated, “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 encourages parents who choose plant-based diets for ethical, environmental, or health reasons to proceed with informed planning.
Guidance for Parents on Plant-Based Diets
The researchers stress that families should not be deterred from adopting vegetarian or vegan diets. Instead, they advocate for careful planning and, when possible, consultation with healthcare professionals such as dietitians and pediatricians. With attention to key nutrients, these diets can sufficiently meet children’s needs during critical growth phases while mitigating nutritional risks.
Dr. Dinu added, “We hope these findings offer clearer guidance on both the benefits and potential risks of plant-based diets, helping the growing number of parents choosing these diets.”
While the study provides valuable insights, the authors note that further research is required to create robust, evidence-based guidance for families. They highlighted limitations due to the cross-sectional design of many studies, variability in methods, and the challenges of accurately assessing children’s dietary intake.
Dr. Wolfgang Marx from Deakin University in Australia concluded, “While well-planned vegetarian and vegan diets are nutritionally adequate for adults, there is far less clarity regarding their suitability for children. Our findings suggest a balanced approach is essential, with families paying close attention to nutrients such as vitamin B12, calcium, iodine, iron, and zinc to ensure their children thrive.”
This study marks a significant step in understanding the impact of plant-based diets on children’s health and growth, providing a foundation for future research and dietary recommendations.
