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Velocities of growth in vegetarian preschool children
Insights
Vegetarian preschool children under age 2 showed slower growth (weight and length) compared to Harvard norms. After age 2, vegetarian children
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Growth and Development Studies
Background:
- Assessing the growth patterns of children on specific diets is crucial for ensuring adequate development.
- Previous studies have indicated potential growth differences in vegetarian populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the growth velocities (weight and length) of vegetarian preschool children against established norms.
- To identify age-specific differences in growth patterns within the vegetarian cohort.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of growth data (weight and length velocities).
- Utilized established growth norms from the Harvard growth study for comparison.
- Stratified analysis by age groups (under 2 years and over 2 years) and dietary subtypes (macrobiotic vs. non-macrobiotic).
Main Results:
- Vegetarian children were initially shorter and weighed less than Harvard standards.
- Growth velocities were depressed in vegetarian children under 2 years of age.
- Vegetarian boys over age 2 showed increased mean weight velocity; macrobiotic children over age 2 had significantly greater mean weight velocity than non-macrobiotics.
Conclusions:
- Growth velocity deficits in vegetarian children are most pronounced before the age of 2.
- Inadequate supplemental feeding post-breastfeeding (after 6 months) may contribute to depressed growth velocities.
- Early surveillance and intervention for vegetarian infants under 2 are recommended.
Abstract:
The growth velocities (weight and length) of vegetarian preschool children were compared to norms established from the Harvard growth study. At first measurement vegetarian subjects weighed less and were shorter than expected from Harvard standards. Growth velocities of children under 2 years of age were depressed, while among those over the age of 2 growth velocities were generally comparable to Harvard norms. Vegetarian boys over age 2 exhibited a higher mean weight velocity. Macrobiotics' mean weight and length velocities were not significantly different from those of nonmacrobiotics before age 2. However, the mean weight velocity of macrobiotics over age 2 was significantly greater than the mean weight velocity of nonmacrobiotics over 2 years. Low growth velocities of vegetarian children are more apparent in infants under the age of 2. When breast-feeding, possibly inadequate supplemental feeding may be present past 6 months of age. Since it is then that the velocities are more likely to be depressed, this may be the most appropriate time for surveillance and possible intervention.