Does a vegan diet effect negativily the growth of children?
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A vegan diet can potentially have negative effects on the growth of children due to the risk of nutrient deficiencies. Studies highlight concerns about inadequate intake of essential nutrients like protein, long-chain fatty acids, iron, zinc, calcium, and vitamins A, B12, and D in vegan diets, which are crucial for healthy growth and development in children. Research indicates that vegan children may have lower intakes of certain nutrients, altered metabolomics, and gut microbiota composition, potentially impacting growth and neurocognitive development. Additionally, vegan diets have been associated with a higher prevalence of iodine deficiency, which can affect thyroid health and growth in children. While some studies did not find significant differences in growth parameters between vegetarian and non-vegetarian children, the risk of underweight was higher in children following a vegetarian diet.
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23 Feb 2023 | Vegan children in the Czech Republic showed higher iodine deficiency rates compared to omnivores, potentially impacting thyroid health, but no severe growth effects were observed in this study. |
| Vegan diets in children may impact growth negatively due to lower intakes of certain nutrients like protein, vitamin B12, and selenium, potentially affecting bone health and some biomarkers. | |
| Yes, a vegan diet may negatively impact children's growth due to potential deficiencies in critical nutrients like protein, iron, and vitamins. Proper monitoring and supplementation are crucial for healthy development. | |
| Yes, vegan diets during complementary feeding may negatively impact children's growth due to potential critical micronutrient deficiencies, growth retardation, and higher risk of inadequate growth compared to omnivorous diets. |
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