Researchers recently reported a comprehensive pilot study on the metabolic effects that may occur from complete vegan diets in children. The study found that infants fed this diet had remarkably altered metabolisms compared to others. In addition, the results show that veganism leads to lower rates in childrenAbsorption of vitamin Aand vitamin D could lead.
What are the benefits of a vegan diet for children?
So the scientists came to the conclusion that vegan diets in children can have a broad impact on their metabolism. The serum biomarker levels for vitamins A and D, cholesterol and essential amino acids were significantly lower compared to omnivores. In addition, docosahexaenoic acid was missing from the vegan diet. Such a diet is currently gaining popularity, especially among young adults. As the family chooses this diet, the vegan diet is becoming more and more common, even among young children. The motives for choosing a vegan lifestyle are ecological, ethical and health-related. Veganism excludes all animal products. However, it is recommended that a complete vegan diet always be supplemented with vitamin B12, vitamin D and iodine. Based on individual assessment, supplementation for calcium, vitamin B2, iron and zinc may be required.
With the exception of vitamin D, the study found no differences between dietary groups in levels of thisNutrients in young childrennoted. All participating vegan children regularly used vitamin B12, and all but one consumed vitamin D and iodine. This indicates that Finnish vegan families are well acquainted with the previously known nutritional needs of vegan diets. However, current nutritional recommendations are based on studies conducted on adult vegans. However, there are no previous studies on the metabolic effects of vegan diets in children. In their recently published article, the study authors comprehensively examined the diet and metabolism of 40 healthy children from daycare centers in Helsinki. Depending on their family's choice, the children ate a vegan, vegetarian or normal diet. Their dietary intake, metabolic biomarkers and micronutrient states have been extensively studied.
Study results
Significantly lower levels of vitamin D were found in children on a completely vegan diet. This was observed despite regular sun exposure and blood samples being taken in late summer. Surprisingly, her vitamin A levels were also lower. Levels of LDL and HDL cholesterol, essential amino acids and docosahexaenoic acid, a fatty acid with a central role in the development of visual function, were also low. Folate was remarkably high in vegan children. According to the researchers, the new findings motivate further and more comprehensive studies on the health consequences of a vegan diet in young children.These resultsshow that the health effects of a strict diet on children can be extrapolated from adults. In addition to vitamin D intake, care must be taken to ensure adequate intake of vitamin A and protein from various sources.
