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Do Vegetarian Diets Provide Adequate Nutrient Intake during Complementary Feeding? A Systematic Review
Giovanni Simeone1, Marcello Bergamini2, Maria Carmen Verga3
1AUSL Brindisi 1, ASL Brindisi, 72023 Mesagne, BR, Italy.
Nutrients
|September 9, 2022
Summary
Vegetarian diets for infants during complementary feeding pose risks for nutritional deficiencies and growth retardation. Current evidence suggests potential negative impacts on neurodevelopment compared to omnivorous diets.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Nutrition Science
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Infant nutrition is critical for growth and neurodevelopment, with the WHO recommending nutrient-rich diets.
- Vegetarian diets are increasingly popular, prompting parental inquiries about their suitability for infants.
- Nutritional deficiencies during complementary feeding can have long-term negative consequences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the impact of vegetarian complementary feeding on infant growth and neurodevelopment.
- To assess the risks of wasting, stunting, overweight, and obesity associated with vegetarian diets in infants.
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of vegetarian diets compared to omnivorous diets in early childhood.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021273592).
- Comprehensive literature search to identify relevant studies on vegetarian diets and infant outcomes.
- Analysis of existing evidence on dietary deficiencies and their effects on individual nutrients.
Main Results:
- No interventional studies exist due to ethical considerations regarding unsupplemented vegetarian/vegan diets.
- Current evidence indicates vegetarian and vegan diets are not demonstrably safe for infants.
- High risk of critical micronutrient deficiencies and growth retardation compared to omnivorous diets like the Mediterranean Diet.
- Potential for significantly different neuropsychological development and growth outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Vegetarian and vegan diets during complementary feeding are not supported by current evidence as safe.
- There is a significant risk of nutrient deficiencies and growth impairment in infants on these diets.
- Further research is needed, but current data suggest caution when considering vegetarian diets for infants.
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