Welcome to Oriems Fit Research Digest, where we break down the latest health research into simple, easy-to-understand insights! Today, we're diving into a fascinating study about vegan children—do they get all the nutrients they need, and do they grow just as well as other kids? Let’s find out!
Who Did This Research and When?
This study was conducted by Daniel Olivier Sutter (University of Bern) and Nicole Bender (University of Zurich) in 2021. It was published in Nutrition Research, a trusted scientific journal.
What Was the Study About?
The study analyzed how a vegan diet affects the growth and nutrient levels of children. The researchers reviewed multiple studies to see if vegan kids:
✅ Get enough calories and protein
✅ Have the right levels of essential vitamins and minerals
✅ Grow at the same rate as non-vegan kids
Key Findings: Are Vegan Kids Healthy?
1. Growth and Body Weight
✅ Vegan children grow normally, but some are slightly lighter than kids who eat meat.
✅ They are less likely to be obese, which could be a long-term health benefit.
✅ A small percentage (3.6%) of vegan kids were shorter than expected, possibly due to low zinc levels or extended breastfeeding.
2. Protein and Energy Levels
✅ No need to worry! Vegan children eat enough protein and calories for proper growth.
✅ Their protein intake is more than twice the recommended amount!
3. Vitamin B12: The Biggest Concern
⚠️ Vegan kids are at high risk of vitamin B12 deficiency.
👉 B12 is only found in animal products, so parents must provide supplements or fortified foods.
👉 Without B12, kids can develop serious nerve and brain problems over time.
4. Iron Levels: Better Than Expected
✅ Vegan children actually eat enough iron (sometimes more than kids who eat meat!).
❓ But there's a catch—plant-based iron is harder for the body to absorb.
💡 Solution: Eat vitamin C-rich foods (like oranges and bell peppers) with iron-rich foods (like beans and spinach) to boost absorption!
5. Calcium and Vitamin D: Can Vegan Kids Have Strong Bones?
⚠️ Many vegan kids do not get enough calcium and vitamin D, which are essential for bone health.
💡 Solution: Fortified plant milks, supplements, and sun exposure can help prevent deficiencies.
👉 Some studies suggest vegan adults have lower bone density and a slightly higher risk of fractures.
What Does This Mean for Vegan Kids?
The study found that a well-planned vegan diet is possible for kids, but parents need to be careful to include:
✔️ B12 supplements or fortified foods
✔️ Calcium and vitamin D from plant sources or supplements
✔️ Iron-rich foods paired with vitamin C for better absorption
Without proper planning, deficiencies in B12, calcium, and vitamin D could lead to long-term health issues.
Final Thoughts: Should Kids Go Vegan?
A vegan diet can be safe and healthy for children—but it requires planning and supplementation to make sure they get everything they need.
✅ Well-planned vegan diets help prevent obesity and may reduce the risk of future health issues.
⚠️ Poorly planned vegan diets can lead to serious nutrient deficiencies (especially B12, calcium, and vitamin D).
So, can vegan kids grow up healthy?
👉 Yes—if their diet is carefully planned!
What Do You Think?
Have you or someone you know raised vegan kids? What has your experience been like? Let’s discuss in the comments below!
🔗 Want to read the full study?
📄 Title: Nutrient Status and Growth in Vegan Children
📍 Published in: Nutrition Research (2021)
🔗 Read the Full Research Here
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