Overview
- A peer-reviewed meta-analysis in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition synthesized 59 studies from 18 countries, covering 48,626 participants under 18.
- Vegetarian and vegan children showed lower total and LDL cholesterol and higher intakes of fiber, folate, vitamin C and iron than omnivores.
- Shortfalls were common for vitamin B12, calcium, iodine and zinc, with vegan children reporting especially low calcium intake.
- Growth measures indicated leaner bodies and modestly lower height, BMI, fat mass and bone mineral content compared with meat-eating peers.
- The authors recommend fortified foods, targeted supplements and pediatric dietitian support, noting most evidence is cross-sectional and vegan-specific data remain limited.