Vegan diet and nutritional status in infants, children and adolescents: A position paper based on a systematic search by the ESPGHAN Nutrition Committee
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Systematic Review
Abstract: Vegan and other plant-based diets are becoming increasingly popular in the paediatric age group. There is limited evidence in the current medical literature to determine whether a vegan diet is adequate for children, since the currently available society position papers are based on narrative reviews and expert opinion. Updated evidence-based recommendations are needed to guide clinical practice. This position paper presents findings from a literature review performed using a systematic search strategy, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. We analyzed the current evidence on the effect of vegan diet compared to omnivorous diet on body growth, nutritional adequacy and laboratory biomarkers in infants, children and adolescents. Observational studies, cohort studies and clinical trials published over the last 15 years in MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library were retrieved. Our position paper aims to update the evidence for or against the adequacy of a vegan diet in infants, children and adolescents and to provide evidence-based recommendations. A total of 10 articles were accepted and included in the final review, providing information on approximately 1500 children following a vegan diet. Several articles assessed more than one outcome: seven addressed body growth, five evaluated nutritional adequacy and five examined laboratory biomarkers. To complement the primary data, three systematic reviews and meta-analyses were also included. Current evidence is inconclusive to determine whether a strictly vegan diet supports normal childhood growth, although no significant differences in height or body mass index z-scores were observed compared to omnivorous peers. We recommend that dietary intake, growth and nutritional status should be regularly monitored in vegan children. Focusing on dietary intakes (e.g., protein, omega-3, calcium and iron) and ensuring supplementation with specific micronutrients, including vitamin B12, is essential during paediatric age when following a strict vegan diet. Clinical research, well-designed prospective studies and high-quality trials are required to address current research gaps.
DOI: 10.1002/jpn3.70182
Authors: Elvira Verduci, Jutta Kӧglmeier, Nadja Haiden, Laura Kivelä, Barbara de Koning, Susan Hill, Veronica Luque, Sissel J. Moltu, Lorenzo Norsa, Miguel Saenz De Pipaon, Francesco Savino, Jiri Bronsky
Institutions: University of Milan, Ospedale dei Bambini Vittore Buzzi, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, Kepler Universitätsklinikum, Tampere University, University of Oslo, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki Children's Hospital, Tampere University Hospital, University of Tampere, Erasmus MC - Sophia Children’s Hospital, Institut de Recerca Biomèdica Catalunya Sud, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Oslo University Hospital, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Ospedale Regina Margherita, University of Turin, University Hospital in Motol
Language: English
Topic: Nutritional Studies and Diet
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,780
Funders: Sanofi, Danone, DSM Nutritional Products
OpenAlex ID: W4413270294