Plant-based diets and child growth.

Purpose of review: The EAT-Lancet Commission on Healthy Diets from Sustainable Food Systems recommended a diet that is higher in plant-based food in 2019. Whilst plant-based diets have been followed in many regions of the world, the planetary concern and the published health benefits has increased the uptake of such diets. This review sets out to explore the impact on growth in children following a plant-based diet.

Recent findings: Twelve observational studies were published between 2017 and 2024, assessing the impact of vegan and vegetarian diets compared to omnivorous diets in children. Ten studies found no significant difference in growth parameters between children on the plant-based diet vs. the omnivorous diet, however there is a trend of lower growth parameters including undernutrition, but also lower rates of overweight in children on a plant-based diet. One study found that that children were shorter on a vegan diet and another found that infants born to mothers following a vegan diet had significantly lower weight. None of the studies assessed children that received professional dietary advice.

Summary: Overall, growth is comparable in children following a plant-based diet, but a higher risk for undernutrition has been highlighted. Children can follow a plant-based diet and establish good growth with the help of a qualified healthcare professional understanding macro and micronutrient provision on such a diet.