Plant-based diets have become part of everyday life in many families with children. The choice is often made for reasons related to health, climate, or ethics.
For parents, however, it can be difficult to assess whether such diets meet a child’s needs during a period when the body is still developing.
Research into children’s eating habits has so far been fragmented and difficult to compare.
For this reason, a new international review of previous studies, published in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, has attracted considerable attention.
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It brings together data from many countries and provides a broader picture of the effects of plant-based diets on children.
Positive signs
According to the research, children who follow vegetarian or vegan diets often have lower body weight, lower cholesterol levels, and better cardiovascular markers than children who eat meat.
In addition, these children consume more dietary fiber and higher amounts of vitamins such as folate and vitamin C.
The results suggest that plant-based diets can offer clear health benefits, even during childhood.
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Hidden deficiencies
At the same time, the analysis shows an increased risk of deficiencies in certain nutrients.
The researchers particularly highlight vitamin B12, which is found almost exclusively in animal products. Iron, calcium, iodine, and zinc can also be difficult to obtain in sufficient amounts.
According to the research, vegan children have a significantly higher risk of vitamin B12 deficiency, while vegetarian children are more likely to lack iron and may develop anemia.
This is not due to the diet itself, but to how it is planned.
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What does this mean?
The key message of the research is that plant-based diets can work well for children, but only if parents carefully plan meals and use dietary supplements.
Without this effort, a child’s development may be affected.
At the same time, the researchers emphasize that conventional diets can also be nutritionally inadequate.
The study therefore points to a broader need for clear and easily understandable nutritional guidance for families.
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Sources: Forskning.no, and Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition.
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