Vegetarian Diets In Children And Adolescents

This Canadian medical position statement examined whether vegetarian diets are safe and healthy for growing children and adolescents. The researchers reviewed studies from 1980 to 2008 and found that vegetarianism is becoming increasingly popular among families, with about 2% of American children aged 6-17 following vegetarian diets and 0.5% following strict vegan diets.

The good news is that major health organizations, including Canada's Food Guide and the American Academy of Pediatrics, agree that well-designed vegetarian diets can meet all the nutritional needs of growing children and teens. Multiple well-conducted studies show that vegetarian children grow and develop normally when their diets are properly planned and supplemented as needed.

However, the research highlights important considerations, especially for families following stricter plant-based diets. Vegan diets (which exclude all animal products) require more careful planning because certain nutrients may be harder to obtain from plant sources alone. Very young children on restrictive vegan diets may face particular challenges getting enough calories, since plant-based foods can be less energy-dense and more filling than animal products.

For metabolic health and longevity, this research suggests that plant-based eating patterns can be a healthy foundation from childhood onward, potentially setting the stage for lifelong health benefits. In clinical practice, this means families considering vegetarian diets for their children should work with healthcare providers to ensure proper nutrient planning, appropriate supplementation, and regular monitoring of growth and development.