A major review of nearly 50,000 children and teens from 18 countries found that vegetarian and vegan diets can be safe and healthy for children if carefully planned. These diets were associated with higher consumption of certain nutrients like iron, folate, and fiber, but lower intake of protein, fat, and certain vitamins and minerals. However, children on plant-based diets also had lower levels of LDL cholesterol and lower average BMIs.

While further research is needed to understand the long-term effects of plant-based diets on children, existing studies have shown that vegetarian children can be just as healthy as those who eat meat. Plant-based food options are becoming more accessible in schools and the study reinforces the idea that with proper planning, plant-based diets can support children’s health. The findings aim to provide guidance to parents choosing these diets for health, ethical, or environmental reasons.