INTRODUCTION:

The adoption of plant-based dietary patterns has been increasing, becoming a preferred choice among the youngest population, even in the first years of life. I addition to its association with various health benefits, further evidence hints at possible energy and nutritional deficiencies following the consumption of these diets, which might impact children and adolescents’ normal growth.

OBJECTIVES:

This review aims to analise the effects of adopting a plant-based diet on the growth of children and adolescents.

METHODOLOGY:

We developed a systematic literature review, where quantitative studies were included since 2017 to the present, that were related to plant-based diets and dealt with pediatric-aged subjects.

RESULTS:

Seven studies met the inclusion criteria, of which six had a cross-section design and only one used a longitudinal cohort. Five studies compared anthropometric measurements in children on plant-based diets with those on omnivorous diets. Only one found differences in growth between vegetarian and omnivorous children. Most studies analyzing subjects on vegan diets reported worse growth indicators versus vegetarian and omnivorous’ diets.

CONCLUSIONS:

The evidence does not allow a firm conclusion about the effects of vegetarian diets on the growth of children and adolescents. This review highlights the need for more quantitative, rigorous studies, namely longitudinal designs with a long follow-up to establish a causal relationship.

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