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Vegan Babies Grow Just Fine, Study Shows
17 Feb
Summary
- Infant growth trajectories are nearly identical for vegan, vegetarian, and omnivore diets.
- Concerns about nutritional adequacy for plant-based infant diets persist.
- Stunting rates remained low and similar across all dietary patterns by age 2.
Infants raised on vegan and vegetarian diets show growth patterns virtually identical to those on omnivorous diets by the age of two. A recent study analyzing records from nearly 1.2 million infants in Israel found that proper environments support the physical development of children on plant-based diets. Researchers noted that while some infants in vegan households were underweight in the first 60 days, this difference disappeared by age two.
Concerns about nutritional adequacy, particularly for nutrients like vitamin B12, iron, and vitamin D, remain for plant-based diets during pregnancy and early childhood. However, the study's findings suggest these diets can support appropriate infant growth. Stunting rates were low and statistically similar across omnivore, vegetarian, and vegan groups by age two.
Further research is recommended to understand how diet quality and nutritional counseling influence optimal development for infants on vegan diets. The American Academy of Pediatricians offers additional information on plant-based diets for children.
