Vegan diet in young children remodels metabolism and challenges the statuses of essential nutrients

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Date
2021-02-05Type
- Journal Article
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Abstract
Vegan diets are gaining popularity, also in families with young children. However, the effects of strict plant-based diets on metabolism and micronutrient status of children are unknown. We recruited 40 Finnish children with a median age 3.5 years-vegans, vegetarians, or omnivores from same daycare centers-for a cross-sectional study. They enjoyed nutritionist-planned vegan or omnivore meals in daycare, and the full diets were analyzed with questionnaires and food records. Detailed analysis of serum metabolomics and biomarkers indicated vitamin A insufficiency and border-line sufficient vitamin D in all vegan participants. Their serum total, HDL and LDL cholesterol, essential amino acid, and docosahexaenoic n-3 fatty acid (DHA) levels were markedly low and primary bile acid biosynthesis, and phospholipid balance was distinct from omnivores. Possible combination of low vitamin A and DHA status raise concern for their visual health. Our evidence indicates that (i) vitamin A and D status of vegan children requires special attention; (ii) dietary recommendations for children cannot be extrapolated from adult vegan studies; and (iii) longitudinal studies on infant-onset vegan diets are warranted. Show more
Permanent link
https://doi.org/10.3929/ethz-b-000468144Publication status
publishedExternal links
Journal / series
EMBO Molecular MedicineVolume
Pages / Article No.
Publisher
WileySubject
development; metabolism; nutrition; vegan; vitaminMore
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Citations
Cited null times in
Web of Science
Cited 1 times in
Scopus
ETH Bibliography
yes
Altmetrics