Vegetarian and Vegan Diets: Nurturing Healthy Child Growth
A groundbreaking global meta-analysis has delved into the health implications of lacto-ovo-vegetarian and vegan diets in children under 18, contrasting them with omnivorous diets. This comprehensive review, encompassing 59 studies and 48,626 participants worldwide, sheds light on the impact of plant-based diets on childhood nutrition and development.
Nutrient Intake Patterns
The study revealed distinct nutrient intake patterns among vegetarian and vegan children. Lacto-ovo-vegetarians consumed less energy, protein, fat, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and zinc compared to omnivores. However, they had higher intakes of fibre, iron, folate, vitamin C, and magnesium. Vegans, on the other hand, showed similar trends, with notably lower calcium intake than both omnivorous and lacto-ovo-vegetarian peers. Despite these variations, most nutrient intakes remained within paediatric reference ranges, though specific deficiencies were more prevalent in plant-based groups.
Growth, Body Composition, and Biomarkers
Growth measurements and body composition analysis indicated a leaner phenotype in vegetarian and vegan children. Lacto-ovo-vegetarians had lower height, weight, BMI z-scores, fat mass, and bone mineral content, while vegans exhibited shorter stature and lower BMI z-scores. Biomarker analysis further revealed lower ferritin and 25-hydroxyvitamin D in lacto-ovo-vegetarians, and lower haemoglobin and ferritin in vegans. The study highlighted increased odds of iron deficiency and anaemia in lacto-ovo-vegetarians, and vitamin B12 deficiency in vegans, underscoring the need for potential supplementation.
Cholesterol and Health Considerations
Both vegetarian and vegan children demonstrated lower total and LDL cholesterol levels, suggesting potential cardiovascular benefits. However, the authors emphasize the importance of meticulous dietary planning and supplementation, particularly for iron, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and calcium, to ensure optimal growth and prevent deficiencies. This meta-analysis provides the most comprehensive evidence to date on plant-based diets in children, highlighting both advantages and potential risks.
Implications for Health Professionals and Caregivers
Health professionals, parents, and caregivers should be vigilant in ensuring balanced nutrition through careful planning and appropriate supplementation to maintain healthy growth and development in vegetarian and vegan children. This is crucial for addressing potential nutrient deficiencies and promoting overall well-being.
Reference
Lotti S et al. (2021). Lacto-ovo-vegetarian and vegan diets in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis of nutritional and health outcomes. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2021.2572983.
This research is made available under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial 4.0 License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/.
