A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Toronto has found that children who follow a vegetarian diet have similar growth and nutrient intake as those who consume meat. However, the study also revealed that the risk of underweight is higher among children who follow a predominantly plant-based diet. The study was conducted on nearly 9,000 children and published in the journal Pediatrics.
According to the study, children who follow a vegetarian diet have similar average values for body mass index (BMI), height, iron, vitamin D, and cholesterol levels as their peers who consume meat. However, the study also found that children who follow a vegetarian diet have almost twice the likelihood of being underweight, defined as below the third percentile for BMI. There were no indications of a link with overweight or obesity.
The researchers emphasized the importance of access to medical professionals who can provide growth monitoring, education, and guidance to support the growth and nutrition of children who follow a vegetarian diet. They also noted that further research is needed to evaluate the quality of vegetarian diets in childhood, as well as the growth and nutrition outcomes of children who follow a vegan diet, which excludes meat and animal products such as dairy, eggs, and honey.
Overall, the study suggests that a vegetarian diet is suitable for most children, as it is recognized as a healthy diet due to increased consumption of fruits, vegetables, fiber, whole grains, and reduced saturated fat. However, the study also highlights the need for careful nutritional planning for underweight children who follow a vegetarian diet.
