It turns out that children who do not eat meat are thinner and shorter than those who do.
A team of researchers from the U.S., Italy, and Australia analyzed data from 59 previous studies involving over 48,000 children and adolescents from 18 countries, representing various dietary preferences.
Among the participants, 7,280 were , 1,289 were vegans, and 40,059 were omnivores, meaning they consumed both plant and animal foods.
“The studies analyzed included participants from early childhood to late adolescence,” said co-author of the study, Monica Dinu, a biology professor at the University of Florence (Italy), in an interview with Daily Mail.
According to the study’s findings, vegetarians were, on average, 0.69 kg lighter and 1.19 cm shorter than omnivores, while vegans were 1.17 kg lighter and 3.64 cm shorter than omnivores.
Compared to omnivores, vegetarians had lower body fat, reduced bone mineral content, and a lower body mass index (BMI), while vegans exhibited shorter and a lower BMI.
According to the scientists, plant-based diets often lack essential nutrients such as calcium, iron, vitamin B12, iodine, and selenium. During their active growth periods, children have increased needs for these nutrients.
“Well-planned vegetarian and vegan diets can be complete and beneficial for adults,” stated Dr. Wolfgang Marks from Deakin University (Australia), a co-author of the study. “However, the situation is different for children. A plant-based diet can support healthy growth but also poses a risk of nutrient deficiencies unless key nutrients are supplemented,” the researchers added.
The study also found that vegetarian children consume more fiber, iron, folic acid, vitamin C, and magnesium than their meat-eating peers.
Despite this, there are some positives to a plant-based diet
The researchers also highlighted the advantages of vegetarian and vegan diets over meat-based diets.
Children who preferred plant-based foods had better cardiovascular health and lower levels of “bad” cholesterol compared to their omnivorous peers.
According to the research team, the popularity of vegetarian diets has increased over the past decade due to “ethical, environmental, and health-related motivations.” However, veganism and vegetarianism during childhood require careful monitoring by parents and regular clinical oversight, the scientists emphasized.
The study’s findings were published in the journal Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition.
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