Khaberni - The largest study revealed that children who follow vegetarian diets are, on average, shorter in height and slimmer in weight compared to those who consume meat.
The study was conducted by researchers from the United States, Italy, and Australia, who analyzed the results of 59 studies conducted in 18 countries, involving about 48,000 children and adolescents ranging from infancy through late adolescence.
According to the findings, vegetarian children were about 0.7 kilograms lighter and 1.2 centimeters shorter compared to their meat-eating peers, while strictly vegetarian children were about 1.17 kilograms lighter and 3.6 centimeters shorter on average.
The study also showed that both groups had lower Body Mass Indexes, reflecting a leaner growth pattern, which in some cases might verge on being overly thin.
Nutritional Elements Missing
The researchers pointed out that vegetarian diets may lack certain essential nutrients, such as vitamin B12, calcium, iodine, zinc, and iron, which are crucial during periods of rapid growth in children.
Dr. Wolfgang Marx, a researcher at Deakin University in Australia and one of the study's authors, said, "Well-planned vegetarian diets may be healthy and beneficial for adults, but the evidence is less clear when it comes to children, leading to conflicting advice for parents."
He added that the results highlight the need to adopt a balanced approach that ensures the compensation of sensitive nutrients, especially through dietary supplements.
Health Benefits Possible
Despite the differences in growth, the study revealed some health benefits of vegetarian diets, as vegetarian and strictly vegetarian children showed lower levels of bad cholesterol, suggesting a better heart health compared to children who consume meat.
It was also found that vegetarian children consume greater amounts of fibers, folic acid, vitamin C, and magnesium, but they get less energy, protein, and fats, along with a clear deficiency in vitamin B12 and zinc, while the shortage of calcium was more evident among strictly vegetarian children.
Recommendations for Parents
The researchers urged parents to handle vegetarian diets for their children with caution and awareness by consulting health specialists and ensuring the use of appropriate dietary supplements when needed.
Professor Monica Dino, from the University of Florence, said, "Vegetarian and strictly vegetarian diets can support healthy growth in children if well-planned and supplemented properly, but they require precise nutritional monitoring."
This research comes at a time when vegetarian diets are increasing in popularity globally for ethical, environmental, and health reasons, despite ongoing debate about their long-term impact on children's health.
The results of the study were published in the journal "Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition" to add new scientific data to the ongoing debate about the best diets for children's growth and health.
