New research urges nutritional planning for children on plant-based diets

A new review finds that plant-based diets (PBDs) are increasingly adopted among children and adolescents, while pointing to the need for education on the diet’s potential health benefits and risks at different ages and growth stages.

The report, published in Healthcare, stresses the importance of nutritional planning and professional guidance for children to receive proper support for growth and neurodevelopment.

 Plant-based diets range from vegetarian to vegan and exclude or minimize animal-derived foods. A vegetarian diet may be chosen for health, ethical, religious, economic and ecological reasons. 

The researchers say that while PBD is popular among adults, its popularity is rising among younger people who are influenced by family diets. 

“In the US, approximately 6% of adults follow a meat-free diet, and half of them are vegan. Concerning the pediatric population, approximately 3% and 2% of eight- to 17-year-old children follow a non-vegan vegetarian and vegan diet, respectively,” the paper details.

“In Europe, the percentage of people following vegetarian diets varies according to geographical areas, with an estimated 1.2% to 1.5% in Portugal and Spain, 7% in the UK, and 10% in Germany.”

Professional guidance is critical for families transitioning to vegan diets for their children, according to the researchers.The study found that while these diets can align with health and sustainability goals, they present unique challenges for growing children. Children need particular nutrient levels to support their continued physical and cognitive development, in contrast to adults, whose growth and neurodevelopment are complete. 

Nutritional support required

The review highlights that children on PBDs, particularly vegan diets, are at risk for macronutrient and micronutrient deficiencies if proper nutritional planning is not done. The review covers studies conducted between 1980 and 2024.

To prevent health issues, it is necessary to take supplements or eat foods that have been fortified with essential nutrients like vitamin B12, iron, calcium and omega-3 fatty acids, suggests paper authors.

They urge nutrition experts to guide families adopting PBDs for their children. Monitoring growth, neurodevelopment and dietary adequacy is necessary to ensure that diets support the developmental needs of young individuals.

Additionally, the review calls for more longitudinal research to understand the long-term effects of PBDs on pediatric health.