A major study involving nearly 49,000 children and adolescents from 18 countries has revealed key differences between vegetarian and vegan diets for growing children. The research found that vegetarian diets, which include dairy and eggs, offer a crucial nutritional buffer that vegan diets lack. Vegan children were found to have significantly low calcium intake, as they do not consume dairy products, leading to potential issues with bone development during childhood and adolescence.

Both vegetarian and vegan children were found to have challenges with vitamin B12 deficiency, with vegan children facing a more acute problem due to the complete exclusion of animal products in their diets. While both plant-based diets show cardiovascular benefits compared to omnivorous diets, vegetarian diets are considered to be a safer middle ground for children due to the inclusion of dairy and eggs that provide nutritional security. The study emphasizes the importance of well-planned diets and appropriate supplementation for children following plant-based eating patterns to ensure they receive all essential nutrients for healthy growth and development.