Introduction:
Plant-based diets, which include variations such as pescetarian, lacto-ovo-vegetarian, and lacto-vegetarian, have gained popularity due to their potential benefits for both individual health and the environment. Within this dietary landscape, vegan diets, which completely eliminate animal-based foods, including dairy and eggs, have seen increased adoption. Approximately 6% of Americans and 3% of Europeans are now adhering to vegan diets.
While research has shown that vegan diets among adults can reduce cardiometabolic risks, the potential effects on the health of children and adolescents remain less explored. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to provide insights into the health effects of vegan diets on this younger demographic.
Key Observations:
Nutrient Intake:
- A meta-analysis revealed that vegan children consume higher quantities of carbohydrates, fiber, and polyunsaturated fatty acids compared to omnivorous children.
- In contrast, vegan children showed lower intake levels of proteins, saturated fatty acids, and cholesterol.
Vitamin and Mineral Intake:
- Vegan children were found to have higher intake levels of folate, vitamins C and E, magnesium, potassium, and iron compared to omnivorous children.
- However, they exhibited lower intake of vitamin B2.
- While the original studies indicated lower calcium intake among vegan children, the meta-analysis did not find any significant difference between the two groups.
- Vegan children showed higher blood levels of vitamin B12 and lower blood levels of ferritin compared to omnivorous children.
Anthropometric Measurements:
- The meta-analysis indicated that vegan children have relatively lower height compared to omnivorous children.
- No significant differences in body weight and body mass index (BMI) were observed between the two groups. Excluding a study involving younger vegan children, no significant height differences were found.
Metabolism:
- Vegan children had lower blood levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and total cholesterol.
- Blood levels of triglycerides, hemoglobin, holotranscobalamin (a vitamin B12 marker), and homocysteine remained similar between the two groups.
Randomized Controlled Trial:
- A trial involving children with high BMI and blood cholesterol levels compared the nutritional impact of a vegan diet with diets recommended by the American Heart Association and a Mediterranean diet.
- Vegan children experienced reductions in protein, vitamin B12, vitamin D intake, cholesterol intake, waist circumference, fasting glucose, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and myeloperoxidase (an inflammatory enzyme).
Single Study Findings:
- Some studies indicated lower intakes of specific fatty acids and lower bone mineral content among vegan children, although these findings could not be meta-analyzed due to limited available studies.
Study Significance:
This comprehensive review highlights both positive and negative health effects associated with vegan diets among children and adolescents. Given the lower protein intake observed among vegan children, future research should focus on the quantity and quality of protein in their diets.
Deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals may impact bone health, but these can be addressed through appropriate dietary supplementation. The risk of osteoporosis and fractures in adults who have consumed vegan diets since childhood should be a focus of future studies.
Lower LDL and total cholesterol levels among vegan children suggest a potential reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease. Prior evidence has indicated a lower 10-year risk of cardiovascular disease and related mortality among vegan adults.
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Echo Gazette journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.