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Vegetarian diets in children: a systematic review.
S Schürmann1, M Kersting1, U Alexy2
1Research Institute of Child Nutrition, Pediatric University Clinic Bochum, Alexandrinenstraße 5, 44791, Bochum, Germany.
European Journal of Nutrition
|March 17, 2017
Summary
Representative data on children following vegetarian diets in industrialized nations is limited. Current studies suggest varied nutritional outcomes, with insufficient evidence to confirm health benefits or risks for growing children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Dietary Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Vegetarian diets are increasingly common in industrialized countries.
- Concerns exist regarding the adequacy of nutrient intake for infants, children, and adolescents on these diets.
- Limited representative data exists on the nutritional status of this population group.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review existing literature on the dietary intake and nutritional status of vegetarian children and adolescents.
- To evaluate potential health benefits or risks associated with vegetarian diets during childhood and adolescence.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted using MEDLINE and reference lists of reviews.
- Inclusion criteria focused on studies with adequate dietary information and nutritional/health status data.
- Case reports and studies from non-industrialized countries were excluded.
Main Results:
- 24 publications from 16 studies (1988-2013) met the criteria, covering ages 0-18 years.
- Growth and body weight were generally within the lower reference range.
- High intakes of folate, vitamin C, and fiber were noted, with some reports of low vitamin B12 and vitamin D status.
Conclusions:
- Significant heterogeneity, small sample sizes, and potential social class bias limit firm conclusions.
- The scarcity of recent studies hinders definitive statements on the health benefits or risks of vegetarian diets for children.
- Further high-quality research is needed to assess the long-term nutritional and health impacts.
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