Plant-Based Diets Can Be Healthy for Children, Major Review Finds

A major new study suggests that vegetarian and vegan diets are safe and healthy for children, as long as meals are carefully planned.

The research, conducted by experts in Italy, the US, and Australia, evaluated data from nearly 50,000 children and teens across 18 countries. Published in the journal Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, the study included data from 7,280 lacto-ovo-vegetarians, 1,289 vegans, and 40,059 omnivores.

The researchers concluded that children following plant-based diets tended to consume more iron, folate, vitamin C, magnesium, and fiber than those eating mixed diets. However, they consumed lower amounts of protein, fat, calcium, vitamin B12, and zinc.

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This suggests that, like all diets, plant-based diets for children require thoughtful planning to ensure nutritional needs are met.

Wider research indicates this challenge is not unique to plant-based diets. In 2023, for example, a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that nearly half of young children in the US do not eat vegetables every day. 

The study also found that children on plant-based diets tended to have lower levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and lower average BMIs.

“Our analysis of current evidence suggests that well-planned and appropriately supplemented vegetarian and vegan diets can meet nutritional requirements and support healthy growth in children,” said lead author Monica Dinu, MSc, PhD in a statement.

What the research says: plant-based diets and children’s health

The researchers noted that while the findings are promising, further studies are needed to better understand the long-term effects of plant-based diets on children.

The new study builds on several similar findings. In 2022, for example, a study published in the medical journal Pediatrics suggested that vegetarian children are just as healthy as those who eat meat.

Another study, presented at Nutrition 2024—the American Society for Nutrition’s flagship annual meeting—suggested that children who consume higher levels of isoflavones from soy-based foods may have improved thinking and attention abilities.

This growing body of evidence may also influence school food policy. At the end of 2025, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act passed the House of Representatives, incorporating provisions from the Freedom in School Cafeterias and Lunches (FISCAL) Act. The legislation aims to make it easier for parents to request dairy-free milk options, such as soy milk, in schools.

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More broadly, plant-based food and drink options are becoming more accessible in schools. In New York, for example, the New York City Health Department recently announced updated food standards that will include expanded access to plant-based foods across city agencies, including public schools.

Overall, the new study reinforces the idea that when carefully planned, plant-based diets can support children’s health.

“We hope these findings offer clearer guidance on both the benefits and potential risks of plant-based diets, helping the growing number of parents choosing these diets for health, ethical, or environmental reasons,” said Dinu.